I found an old Metrocard at home and tried it on the subway.  Being expired it   
   didn't work.  However, several token clerks said it was worthless since it was   
   expired too long, that is, any money on it was lost.   
      
   Given that the MTA charges a $1 for a new Metrocard--a policy intended to   
   encourage retention of old cards--I would think and expect that old value   
   would be transferred to a new card without charge.   
      
   It seems quite sleazy they pocket forgotten money that rightfully belongs to   
   the passengers.   
      
   FWIW, several other transit carriers accept old fare instruments without   
   problem, one fare card was at least 20 years and it worked fine.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)