AT&T announced today that by this time next year all of their pay phone setups will be gone. With the increased rise in cell phone usage over the last 10 years, phone companies are not cashing in like they used to. I cant remember the last time I used a pay phone, but I know it was atleast 8 years ago. Back when I didnt have a cell phone. Even then I made mostly collect calls to my parents or friends home phones (not cell phones).
Just wait, in 10 more years landlines will be a thing of the past as well. Even owning my own home I do not have a landline phone. There is no use for one that I can see. I can be easily reached via my cell phone 24/7 and know exactly what I am expected to pay. Also with text messaging which you can not do with a landline is a lifesaver and a definite necessity.
This may be an alternate solution to the pay phone, but I wouldnt expect to see it for atleast 5 more years.
http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa022801a.htm