i encountered my first functioning charlie box yesterday. the box worked fine but i could have done without the T employee screeching at me in a nasty boston accent to "turn the card around lady" Gee, customer service training much? it wasn't even crowded so there were zero people behind me so i had all the time in the world to figure it out myself. and guess what? i can read!

I had a similar experience at South Station during the first few days. The problem is that even when I insert the card the right way, the thing bzzzzs at me.

Yeah, I think if you go too closely after someone else, it does that.

The whole first month, I couldn't get on at South Station, because I used to always punch a hole in my Charlie Card.

And see, that's ridiculous because a LOT of people do that to hook it to their keys. I guess with the Charlie Card you'll be able to, because it'll be one of the flash-n-pass type things... but even though I'm not doing any criminal activity, I'm just not too cool with it being tethered to my bank account. It squicks me, even though I can't pinpoint exactly why.

I wish they'd make it thicker, like a credit card, for us regular monthly pass people. I'd rather change it once a year than once a month.

Yeah that's hugely annoying now. I love the fact that we can buy them in the machines now, but... I feel like I'm going to rip this one. Not a fan.

I still get mine mailed to me. It's more plasticky than the machine ones.

Denver RTD sells an annual pass. Not that that is much help to you, though.

You can pay for an annual pass here. But you still get one a month.