MetroCards expire after a year but only activate once you swipe them for the first time, making it theoretically possible for you to buy a dozen cards at $81 and avoid this summer’s cataclysmic price increase, at least for a while, sparing you hundreds of dollars. In fact, we were planning on doing just that, and using the savings to feed orphaned, impoverished children. Unfortunately, the MTA has put the kibosh on such arrangements by decreeing that all MetroCards bought before the May 31 fare hike must be used by June 8. It’s not the commuters we’re sorry for it’s those hungry orphans. [City Room/NYT]
