What Is It? Update: New Use for a Business Card Holder

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the practical uses of a business card holder, initially identified in a photo contest. Participants share their experiences and adaptations of the holder for various ticketing purposes related to public transportation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions using the business card holder as a paperweight before discovering its utility for holding transportation tickets and passes.
  • Another participant expresses gratitude for a barcode that allowed them to ride for free, indicating a shared resource among users.
  • A participant raises a concern about the validity of their card after realizing it only had a one-day pass loaded, questioning the ticket inspector's response.
  • Further exploration reveals that a participant found specific details about the SunRail ticketing system, including the types of passes available and the correct method for identifying their card.
  • One participant shares their experience of tracking trips taken with the card and plans to preload funds for future use, indicating a practical approach to managing transportation needs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to share a general interest in the utility of the business card holder for transportation purposes, but there are varying experiences and understandings regarding the ticketing systems and card functionalities.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential misunderstandings about the ticketing system and the specific functionalities of the cards used, as well as the absence of detailed information on the implications of using the barcode versus the card number.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in practical uses for everyday items, public transportation users, and those looking for tips on managing transportation tickets and passes.

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A few months ago, we had a photo contest, "What Is It?". @fresh_42 identified my entry as a holder for business cards. Even if I'd known what it was before, I've never needed business cards anyway, so I simply used it as a paperweight.

While cleaning off my desk today, I found an appropriate use for it, considering that Parsons Brinckerhoff is involved in transportation engineering. I'm now using it as a holder for bus / metro / light-rail tickets and passes (from dispensing machines) and reloadable electronic smart-cards.
 

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Thanks! I just rode free using your barcode. Much appreciated! :cool:
 
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The ticket inspector didn't complain about the card having no money on it? I only put a one-day pass on it when I bought it. I'd better check my credit card account. :wideeyed:
 
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I looked on the SunRail site and found that they don't have a day-pass, just 7-day and 30-day passes. And single-trip tickets, of course. So I set up an account and registered my card. It turns out to identify your card you use the card number on the back, not the barcode number on the front (whew). I found out I do have a small balance, enough for a single one-zone trip. I also found a list of all the trips I took using the card, during my single day in Orlando on my "Sunshine state road trip" last year. Next time I visit Orlando, I can add money to the card in advance so I don't have to deal with a ticket machine.
 

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