W Train from Ditmars

On the subway for the first time since October 2019. I bought a large MetroCard figuring that, if some of it goes unused, it will be a small contribution to the future of the MTA because -- and let's be clear here -- public transportation and cities are important, and New York is the most important city in America and always should be.

Then, when I reached the turnstile, it appeared that one could just tap a credit card and pay per ride. I do hope the MTA is charging a premium for that service, because really it is in its interest to sell rides at higher volumes. Unless the transaction costs of managing the infrastructure are too high.

As the train pulled in, I saw one woman who had her mask pulled down because she was talking to someone on the phone and, clearly, it was very important that the person she was talking to should hear her well. Looked like she was on speaker phone. Sigh. Some things never change.