The All Knowing, All Loving Purple Kumquat Goddess ([info]dee_cee) wrote in [info]b0st0n,
@ 2008-04-11 16:57:00
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Current mood: annoyed

Anyone else have Charlie Card problems this month?
On the morning of April 1, I tried to update my Charlie Card for the montly pass, using my WageWorks card (works like a pre-paid credit card, money taken from paycheck). I, as well as many others at kiosks around me, got a "Transaction Cancelled." One of the T employees announced there was a system-wide problem, and let us all on for free.

On the commute ride home, I tried to update the card again, and got the same error message. The T employee at State Street said there wasn't any system issues, and made me beg to get on the T (I didn't have any cash to buy a ticket).

I called MBTA the next day, and was told that it was a WageWorks card problem, and that only people who used WW cards were the ones who couldn't update Charlie Cards. I was told to wait a day, and try again.

So I did. Same error, no love, no update to card.

Since then, I have been calling every other day to WageWorks and MBTA. WageWorks is apologetic, and tell me there was a system issue with the T kiosks. Hundreds of people have been calling, asking for their money back. The MBTA is denying any fault, saying this is WageWorks' problem. One "customer service" (I use that term loosley, due to the rudeness I got) rep told me it was my own fault for a)using a WageWorks card, and b)waiting for the 1st of the month to update my Charlie Card.

I've made the complaints to the T. Again, no love, no callbacks. According to a WageWorks supervisor, they are now trying to dispute over 100 cases like my own, although the T denies any problems.

SO...did anyone else have a problem using a WageWorks card this month? Or any problems updating a Charlie Card?


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[info]ron_newman
2008-04-11 09:20 pm UTC (link)
I had this happen a couple of months ago, not with a WageWorks card but with another card that works on similar principles (it debits a transit benefit account that is filled from pre-tax payroll deduction). In this case, I think it was my fault, for not tapping the CharlieCard soon enough after the transaction processed.

I called the pseudo-credit-card company, and they said that it takes several days for such a charge to automatically reverse. Meanwhile I should buy my pass with a regular credit card or cash, and submit a reimbursement form. They called me back a few days later to inform me that it had indeed reversed. Everything worked out OK in the end.

(Reply to this)


[info]on_reserve
2008-04-11 09:24 pm UTC (link)
Our HR Dept sent this out on 3/31:
Hello Everyone,
It has been brought to my attention that many employees are having difficulties uploading the monthly Linkpass from the WageWorks issued debit card to a plastic Charlie Card. The past Charlie Cards which employees had been receiving through Pearson will no longer work. You must obtain a new blank Charlie Card from an MBTA attendant at no cost. Once you receive a blank Charlie Card, you will then be able to upload the Link Pass from the WageWorks debit card.

Please contact the WageWorks Learning Center at 877-WageWorks for any additional questions.

Thank you,
Boston HR

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]ron_newman
2008-04-11 09:28 pm UTC (link)
That is very weird, since I thought all CharlieCards were alike if they didn't have any current value or pass on them.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]nathanw
2008-04-11 10:23 pm UTC (link)
There's lots of room to encode extra information on the cards; it would be possible (if weird) to put a bit on them that triggered something like a "Recharge only with a WageWorks debit card" rule.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]dee_cee
2008-04-11 10:11 pm UTC (link)
OK, I've called WageWorks almost every day for a past week, and they said nothing about getting a new Charlie Card.

If that's all I need to do, and instead both have been giving me the runaround? Why...I'll be pissy, that's what I'll do! (because complaining has done nothing as of yet)

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]ayun
2008-04-14 04:14 pm UTC (link)
You work for Pearson and have this benefit? Mind saying what division/business unit? I work for a part of Pearson Ed where they swear up and down it's just not possible.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

[info]on_reserve
2008-04-14 06:15 pm UTC (link)
My bad leaving my employer's name there but yeah, Pearson Ed also. You can e-mail me for more info.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]dianalily
2008-04-11 09:47 pm UTC (link)
Wonder Woman rules.
Also, I have no answer
to your T issue.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]rocksalt
2008-04-12 07:37 am UTC (link)
seriously. look at those bullets being deflected.

sexy.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]passionless_me
2008-04-12 03:37 pm UTC (link)
I like your comment.
It is reminding me of
seventh grade English.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]bobsquared69
2008-04-12 02:20 pm UTC (link)
i had the same problem YESTERDAY but with a regular debit card.

(Reply to this)

Wage Works Issue
[info]josephbbl
2008-05-13 04:11 pm UTC (link)
I'm currently having an issue of Wage Works failing to re-send or reimburse for Metra Rail passes I never received. The customer service was not helpful, as they said I would have to send a letter via snail mail to an escalation committee that would review my case and send me the results 30 days after they render a decision. This appears unacceptable, given that I'm out of luck and out of pocket for the month of May. Any suggestions?

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