Invention Could Turn Leftover Transit Fares into Charity Donations

How much money goes unused in the form of spare change leftover on transit cards around the world? One invention would allow those fares to go to charity instead of washing away in the laundry or at the bottom of the dump.

1 minute read

November 13, 2014, 1:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Sydney Brownstone shares news of a system invented by a London-to-New York transplant named Zander Whitehurst to transfer leftover transit fares to charity. To use the system, "subway riders can simply swipe their cards against a special RFID-reading panel to donate extra change. Tapping the Oyster Card against a “” [sic] panel relieves it of 50 pence, while continuing to press the card against the panel drains the Oyster Card fully."

The RFID strip that enables Whitehurst's invention is not yet available on New York City's Metro cards, but London's Oyster Card would work just fine—if, that is, London's transport authority granted permission for the technology to work. 

http://vimeo.com/85625901

Monday, November 10, 2014 in Fast Co.Exist

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 7, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

A yellow sign on the side of the road reads "NO DATA CENTER"

Data center developers are using lawsuits, cash offers to ‘overwhelm’ rural America

Newsrooms in five states worked together to uncover the tactics big tech developers use to buy land from reluctant communities.

October 10 - The Oregonian

A woman in the snowy woods wraps two children in blankets.

U.S.-Iran war may have ‘devastating’ impact on cost to warm homes

Vermont and Maine residents may see a 76% increase in the cost of warming their homes this winter.

October 9 - Grist

Construction worker uses a power saw to cut through metal.

Senate bill would ‘overhaul’ environmental permitting laws

Under the proposed act, government agencies would also not be able to suspend or rescind permits after granting them.

October 9 - Smart Cities Dive