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Fare Transformation

Updated February 2023 

A rider taps their CharlieCard at one of the upgraded fare gates on the Orange Line
  • Timeline: 2017 – 2025
  • Status: In progress

The MBTA's Fare Transformation will make paying for transit easier and more convenient. Upon completion, you'll be able to:

  • Tap and board at any door with a fare card, smartphone, or contactless credit card
  • Reload using cash or credit card at vending machines at all stations and some bus stops
  • Manage your account online 24 hours a day
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Why We're Doing This Work

Our current fare payment technology and policies are outdated and overly complex. Fare Transformation will completely replace this system to ensure equal access to an updated fare payment system that works—and will work for many years to come.

The new system will also improve the T as a whole by allowing us to operate more efficiently and invest in future changes and growth, meaning that you’ll be able to get where you’re going faster.

What We're Doing Now

Learn more about the upcoming work we're doing as part of the Fare Transformation project and how it may affect your commute.

Project Timeline

Fare Transformation will roll out in phases over the next several years. Issues that directly affect our riders will be prioritized first. Then, toward the end of the project timeline, we’ll focus on delivering system-wide benefits.


Phase 1: Key frustrations addressed

Completed

A CharlieCard-only gate at MGH, part of a field test for the new Fare Transformation project

Phase 2: Easier to get a CharlieCard

Completed

A woman taps her card on a fare vending machine to add value
  • Get a CharlieCard at fare vending machines in any subway station
  • More easily apply for or renew a reduced fare pass (for seniors, youth, and people with disabilities)
  • See Commuter Rail fares being collected consistently using fare gates at terminal stations

Phase 3: Testing new ways to pay

A rider taps their phone at one of the new CharlieCard reader prototypes installed on bus routes 28 and 39

Riders can participate in a test phase that will allow them to:

  • Tap using a contactless credit card, Apply Pay, or Google Pay on the Orange Line, Green Line, and select bus routes
  • Be the first to have the new Charlie Card and mobile app
  • Board at the rear door at the busiest stops on select bus routes
  • Get and reload a Charlie Card at a growing number of retailers

Phase 4: Faster Green Line trains and buses

A Green Line train pulls into a station
  • Tap using a mobile device, contactless credit card, or the new Charlie Card on all subway and bus routes
  • Board at any door on Green Line trains and buses
  • Use the Charlie website to manage your account online
  • Download the Charlie mobile app to view your balance and reload on the go
  • Get a Charlie Card and reload at many bus stops and even more retail locations

Phase 5: Seamless payments on all modes

A rider taps the new Charlie Card at one of the CharlieCard reader prototypes installed on bus routes 28 and 39
  • Use the same fare media to tap no matter where you’re traveling
  • Tap on and transfer between all MBTA modes
  • Additional self-service institutional pass functionality—for both employers and employees
  • See overall improvements to MBTA services stemming from better ridership and revenue data

Past Events

View all events

Contact Information

For all queries and comments related to Fare Transformation, please contact us at charlie@mbta.com or 857-308-2322.

Upgraded Fare Vending Machines

Riders use the new fare vending machines that were installed on the Orange Line in 2021

We’ve upgraded our fare vending machines with new features that will help make it easier to pay your fare.

Learn more about these upgrades

Share Your Feedback

We're asking the public to help guide our decisions as we roll out the Fare Transformation project over the next several years.

Find out how to get involved

Upgraded Fare Vending Machines

Riders use the new fare vending machines that were installed on the Orange Line in 2021

We’ve upgraded our fare vending machines with new features that will help make it easier to pay your fare.

Learn more about these upgrades

Share Your Feedback

We're asking the public to help guide our decisions as we roll out the Fare Transformation project over the next several years.

Find out how to get involved