The New York Times reports that thieves have taken advantage of a software glitch in LIRR ticket machines, obtaining over $880,000 in free tickets, many of which were resold.

The glitch, which affects both LIRR and Metro-North ticket machine sales of train tickets and MetroCards, allows users to purchase tickets with their debit cards even if they do not have enough money in their account - the account was not charged at all.

The bug has existed since 2001, and about 1,000 riders have innocently benefited - most of them probably never realizing their accounts were not charged.

However, the bug was discovered by a couple from Roosevelt, NY, who exploited the LIRR machines systematically, buying over $880,000 in tickets for resale. The couple has been arrested and the software glitch repaired.

The glitch was discovered by MTA during software testing in which a technician used test cards from banks.

Its too bad this bug got exploited, because I think its great that in the last 7 years, about 1,000 people trying to get to work, and who have no money in their bank account, got free tickets.

I like to picture some 20-something, hung-over and late for the train, on a hot July morning getting off her bike and scrambling to the platform, useless debit card in hand, praying that she can get just get to work *today*. And then bing - a gift from the gods. Awesome.

Via New York Times