How are students liking the CitiONECard? They're getting used to it....By Kelvin Masilamani
At this point, all students should have the new ID. By the end of the Spring 2012 semester, CCNY had implemented the new ID known as the CityONECard. Students were told to trade in their old cards in exchange for the new ones before the start of the Fall 2012 semester.With the new card came quite a few changes. Students can now use the ID to purchase food, beverages and even textbooks and save money on each purchase. City College even brought in new vending machines that also accept the CityONECard.So how is it working?“It makes things very convenient," says one fourth year students, who preferred not to give her name. "I don't always have to go grabbing for cash."“Hunter already had this system when I went there," she added. "I think it's great that City College is doing it too.”But not everyone loves the card. Brandon Shun, biology major, is less than thrilled about the idea. “I don't even know how to put money it,” he says. “It just seems like too much of a nuisance. I already have a debit card; I don't need another one. It’s just hot garbage.”
The card was designed for convenience. But many students may not understand all the benefits. “Only about 10 percent of the students use the card,” says Juan Concepcion, who works in the Starbucks in Marshak Cafe. “I think it's a very good idea, but they just started it so it's only a little people who know.”Some students like Henrietta Lewis, who graduated from CCNY two years ago, missed the chance to reap the card’s benefits. “Well I'd probably put like 20 bucks on it in case of emergencies. Like for those days when I can’t run out and get something cheaper or better than the food at City.”