Senior CharlieCard | Reduced Fares

People 65 and older are eligible for reduced MBTA fares with a Senior CharlieCard. These cards are valid for 8 years.

For people with doctor-designated permanent disabilities, Transportation Access Pass (TAP) cards are valid for 5 years. For doctor-certified temporary disabilities, cards are valid for 1 year.

Learn more about TAP cards

MyCharlie

Already have a Senior CharlieCard? Reload it online with MyCharlie.

Add cash value

Monthly passes for Senior CharlieCards cannot be purchased online.

Accessibility

Learn more about accessibility on the MBTA, and how we’re working to make our services accessible to everyone.

Learn more about accessibility at the MBTA

How to Get a Senior CharlieCard

At the CharlieCard Store

Visit the CharlieCard Store at Downtown Crossing Station, on the underground concourse between the Red and Orange lines:
7 Chauncy Street
Boston, MA 02111
Present a valid, government-issued license or ID for proof of age.
If approved, you’ll receive a 30-day Senior CharlieTicket, valid for use while you wait for your permanent Senior CharlieCard to arrive in the mail, in 7 – 10 business days.

At Councils on Aging and Senior Centers

Councils on Aging and senior centers occasionally host Senior CharlieCard events where you can apply for a card. You’ll need to bring a valid, government-issued license or ID for proof of age, fill out an application, and get your photo taken.

Staff at the event will mail your application to the MBTA, and your permanent Senior CharlieCard will arrive in the mail in 4 – 6 weeks.

Upcoming Events

July 27, 2020, 11:00 AM

Senior CharlieCard Event

Sharon Communtiy Center, Lower Level, Adult Center/Council on Aging, Sharon, MA

Host an Event

If you are a staff member at a Councils on Aging or senior center, you can host an event.

Learn how to conduct a Senior CharlieCard event

How to Use Your Senior CharlieCard

On the subway and bus

Load cash value or monthly passes onto your Senior CharlieCard at any fare vending machine or at fare boxes on buses and trolleys at street-level stops.

Please note: Discounted monthly passes are not available for Express Buses. You can purchase a one-way ticket for 50% of the standard cash fare at onboard fareboxes and fare vending machines.

On Commuter Rail

Show your Senior CharlieCard to MBTA staff at Commuter Rail ticket windows or tap it at a fare vending machine to pay 50% of the standard one-way fare or purchase a 10-ride ticket.

Please note: Discounted monthly Commuter Rail passes are not available.

You can also show a ticket agent or conductor a valid, government-issued license or ID that shows you’re 65 or older for reduced Commuter Rail fares.

On ferry

Show your Senior CharlieCard at ferry ticket booths to pay 50% of the standard one-way fare or purchase a 10-ride ticket.

Please note: Discounted monthly passes are not available.

You can also show a ticket agent or ferry official a valid, government-issued license or ID that shows you’re 65 or older for reduced ferry fares.

The Charlestown Inner Harbor Ferry and Hingham/Hull Commuter Ferry offer discounts for seniors on all trips.

The Salem and Winthrop ferries are operated seasonally by their respective municipalities. Prices and discount options may vary depending what time you take your trip.

Learn more about where you can take a ferry

T-Alerts

Stay informed. Get alerts about service delays and planned changes by text or email.

Helpful Links

Reduced Fare Prices

View reduced fare prices for all MBTA tickets and passes.

Fares FAQ

Visit our fares FAQ section for detailed answers about the MBTA’s ticketing system.