Originally Posted by
eng3
I'm not sure why anyone would ever buy a card anymore if using NFC
Originally Posted by
PaxSicagia
None of these apply to me personally, but here are some potential reasons:
- They don't have a different card they can use.
- They don't have a phone with working NFC.
- They don't want to enable NFC for security reasons.
- They're having trouble with the app. (Ventra app is buggy.)
- They don't trust the security of the app.
- They want to buy the card anonymously using cash.
- They're not very technical and feel buying a card is simpler.
- They collect these type of cards.
- They want a backup plan, in case their phone dies.
- Before departing, they plan to give the card away.
A clarification and an addition.
Clarification: You cannot pay via NFC with a Ventra card or the Ventra app. You can only use NFC with a credit/debit card. You can buy a Metra ticket via the app, but that's the only way you can board/enter/pay directly via the app.
Addition: you've missed 2 common reasons why people would use a physical card:
- Weekly/Monthly Passes. You can load one onto a card, but most people don't, they use a Ventra card.
- You usually must use a Ventra card to use a transportation spending account. Some plans may give you a credit card, but YMMV on getting it working.
Personally, the latter is why I use a Ventra card. It's the easiest way to use my transportation spending account. The money just shows up once a month in my account.