A frustrated Jeff Avondo of Springfield, 48, is on his way to visit his niece and ill sister in Halifax. He needs to tell his niece when to pick him up, but her cell is busy and the pay phone won't return his coins. In go more quarters. Now his niece isn't answering, but at least he gets his money back. His train departs South Station soon. "I'm worried I won't get hold of her before I leave," he says. At times like this Avondo wishes he had a cellphone, but he hasn't passed a credit check. His pre-paid phone is out of minutes. Finally, he reaches his sister. "Thank God."