By Karina Milchman

Last week, the MTA launched a 6-month experiment that will allow subway riders to use specialized prepaid bankcards to gain entry into 30 subway stations on the Lexington Ave. line. Guinea pigs are charged per ride and pay in advance. But in return for giving up their unlimited Metrocard feature, every sixth ride will be free. And that’s not all. Participants will acquire the amazing ability to get through those pesky turnstiles without touching them! Perhaps that’s the sort of newfangled and magical contraption MTA gets when they join forces with Citigroup and Mastercard. At this time, only an elite few can get their mitts on these special fobs since the contact-less system is still being tested. Judging by the publicity, we can see why. Ads inform, “All you have to do is tap your special Citi credit card or Citibank Debit card or payment tag at any turnstile where you see the [star] symbol.” So many choices! Well, it may not be simple but in the wake of all the recent subway flashings and slashings, you never know what you might touch, so be thankful that now you don’t have to.