A serial subway scammer with 142 arrests — and 10 pending cases — was express-tracked to freedom Monday when a Manhattan judge ordered him sprung under the state’s controversial bail-reform law.

Charles Barry — who authorities say has a history of running MetroCard-related cons on tourists and others — was ordered held on $10,000 bail last week, pending a hearing triggered by his most recent bust.

On Monday, Manhattan prosecutor Sarah McAteer sought to have Barry’s bail increased to $20,000 cash or $60,000 bond.

She cited his repeated failure to appear in court when ordered — including on Friday, when his bail hearing was initially scheduled.

“He was across the street. He was at the Manhattan Detention Center and he refused to come here,” McAteer said.

But Barry’s Legal Aid lawyers argued he hadn’t been slapped with a warrant for failure to appear in court since Feb. 5, following his arrest for allegedly grabbing $20 from the hand of a 73-year-old woman using a wheelchair at the 34th Street-Herald Square subway station.

At the time, he was placed on supervised release under the bail-reform law, which bars judges from setting bail for most defendants charged with misdemeanors and non-violent felonies.

Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Jay Weiner sided with the defense, but warned Barry, 56, that “you’ve got to appear in court.”

“Yes, I will, your honor. Yes, I will,” Barry answered.