MTA gives keychain MetroCards trial run along Lexington Avenue

? Some Bronx straphangers will have an easier time getting through subway turnstiles now that they can use new "smart cards."
Starting this July, the MTA will allow the keychain cards along Lexington Avenue from 138th Street to Borough Hall. New turnstiles will read the cards faster, rather than having straphangers struggle with swiping. The pilot program will run six months. The MTA will evaluate whether to change the entire system at the end of the trial.
The keychain cards, which are paid for by MasterCard and Citibank, can also be used for retail purchases.