Ounced Now with no hands!

Lemme charge that to my BART card.

Saw an interesting ad on a BART train. It was a for a credit card. Not just any ol’ credit card, but a CC that will allow you to earn BART money.

BART’s new credit card full of perks
By Jeanine Benca CONTRA COSTA TIMES
Article Launched: 07/16/2007 03:03:38 AM PDT

BART officials Sunday announced the creation of a credit card that will allow passengers to earn “frequent rider” points toward free rides and cash awards. The new BART Rider Rewards MasterCard issued by JPMorgan Chase & Co. works the same way as credit cards that offer frequent flier miles — but instead of earning air miles, cardholders will rack up freebies when they use the card to buy BART tickets.

“In the past, it’s been pretty difficult for us to offer discounts like other transit agencies do because we’re so supported by our fares,” said BART spokesman Linton Johnson.

The challenge has been figuring out a way to reward frequent riders without costing BART money, he said.

“This isn’t going to solve everyone’s issue with trying to get rewarded, but I think it’s a big step forward,” he said.

BART officials two years ago began searching for a bank that would be interested in sponsoring a card, and Chase offered the most generous proposal in terms of benefits to riders, Johnson said.

Cardholders will earn five points for each dollar spent on BART tickets online and at eligible ticket machines, as well as two points per dollar on purchases to certain “BART-able” events, including Oakland Athletics games.

The perks accrue with the points: 2,500 points earns a $25 BART ticket, 4,500 points earns a $48 BART ticket, 6,000 points earns a $64 BART ticket, 5,000 points earns a check for $50 and 10,000 points earns a check for $100.

Oddly enough, I kinda like the idea. But I’d never go for it. And what Linton Johnson had to say is true. The only way you can get a discount on BART fares is if you’re RTC card eligible or buy a high value BART ticket and save 6% (A $48 tickets ends up only costing $45). But if you’re RTC or a senior you get a 62.5% discount! (A $24 ticket is only $9). I’ve never found the fare discount structure fair. This goes for all transit agencies.

Especially with AC Transit.