It's free in the sense that they don't have to offer that at all. Obviously there is some kind of attempt at profit in the system on the MTA side of things. I'm not really sure how your argument would work with my unlimited card, but yes, "Hah."
Like every other for-profit company on the planet?
There's a measurable difference between the bonus and no-bonus option, and in this case, that's 5%. That is the offer. Given the option between the two, I'll take the bonus knowing fully well in either scenario they are profiting.
AT&T's classic monthly rates factor in subsidization, and thus are substantially higher than ...whatever value you seem to be wishing that they charge - I sincerely hope not at-cost. If they offer a 5% discount, they're still profiting, but you're paying 5% less than you would have. That is something, and that is an offer.
There's a measurable difference between the bonus and no-bonus option, and in this case, that's 5%. That is the offer. Given the option between the two, I'll take the bonus knowing fully well in either scenario they are profiting.
You're comparing apples and oranges. Compare the 5% bonus with simply lowering the cost of fares an equivalent amount.
