Hello Again-

You might find some use for this message from TriMet saying that if you tell the fare inspectors that a machine was not working they should not give you a ticket.

-Mike Lincicum

Stanley, Doug wrote:

> Mr. Lincicum.

> 

> Thank you for taking the time to share your comments with us.  We are

> in the process of upgrading the softeare on our ticket machines and,

> unfortunately, have encountered a few difficulties.

> 

> If you are unable to use a machine, simply let the fare inspectors

> know when they board, which machine (s) was defective.  They are aware

> of the issues as well.  Perhaps a more successful option might be to

> purchase a monthly pass or books of tickets.

> Thank you for riding....

> 

> SIncerely,

> 

> Doug Stanley

> Assistant Manager, Rail Transportation

> 

> -----Original Message-----

> From: Mike Lincicum

> Sent: Monday, July 23, 2007 2:26 PM

> To: Customer Service

> Cc: Stanley, Doug

> Subject: Unacceptable Service

> 

> 

> I just tried to buy TriMet tickets at five (5) different vending

> machines in two different stations in Hillsboro using two different

> *valid* credit cards.  I could not buy tickets at any of these

> machines.  Each one gave a message of "Cannot Contact Bank" or

> "Authorization Denied".  The machines at the main downtown transit

> center in Hillsboro also had a message saying they would not accept

> bills.

> 

> HOW DO YOU EXPECT PEOPLE TO USE YOUR SYSTEM LEGALLY IF THEY CANNOT

> PURCHASE TICKETS?

> 

> After the fifth (5th) machine would not accept my *valid* credit cards

> I tried calling the phone number on the machine to report a problem

> using my cell phone.  I was connected to a voice mail system, told to

> hold, and was then cut off.

> 

> THIS IS A TOTALLY UNACEPTABLE LEVEL OF CUSTOMER SERVICE.

> 

> I am a regular MAX rider and this is not the first time that I have

> had this problem.  In fact, more often than not your machines will not

> accept my

> *valid* credit cards.  If you cannot provide a reliable way to buy

> tickets using a *valid* credit card, you need to cover up or disable

> the credit card slots in your machines and place signs saying "credit

> cards not accepted".

> When and if you do that, I will no longer be using MAX and I will be

> sure to tell everyone I know to avoid using Tri-Met, as well, since it

> is not a reliable mode of transportation.

> 

> -Michael Lincicum