Student CharlieCards
Many middle and high schools in the Greater Boston area offer reduced fare CharlieCards to their students. Children 11 and under do not need reduced fare CharlieCards because they ride the T for free with an adult.
Summer tip! Your M7 or S-Card is valid until August 31st. Just load it with cash value or passes at fare vending machines.
Are you a student or parent? Great! You’re in the right place. Stay on this page to learn more about where to get your card and how to use it.
Are you a school administrator? Visit our Pass Programs page to learn more about ordering cards and offering them to students.
MyCharlie
Already have a Student CharlieCard card? Reload it online with MyCharlie.
Please note that new Student CharlieCards cannot be purchased online.
College Student CharlieCards
Students at participating universities may be eligible for reduced MBTA fares through the Semester Pass Program.
About Student CharlieCards
Student CharlieCards, available through your school administrator, offer year-round fare discounts. They expire on August 31 each year, and you will be issued a new one for the new school year.
The reduced rate for a monthly pass is $30, your school may cover this cost.
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M7 Card
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From September to June, passes are preloaded
In July and August, load with cash value or passes as needed
Unlimited travel on the bus, subway, and Commuter Rail Zones 1A, 1, and 2
Valid for Commuter Rail Zones 3-10 for 50% the standard fare -
S-Card
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Year-round, load this card with cash value or passes as needed
Unlimited travel on the bus and subway
Valid for all Commuter Rail zones for 50% the standard fare
Paying Your Fare
M7 Card
During the school year (September 1 – June 30), your monthly pass is automatically loaded onto your card. In July and August, you can load it with cash value or passes at any fare vending machine or onboard fare box.
S-Card
Load cash value or passes onto your S-Card at any fare vending machine or at onboard fare boxes on buses and trolleys at street-level stops.
When You’re Ready to Board
At subway stations, tap your card at the fare gate to enter. To board buses or trolleys at street-level stops, tap your card at the onboard fare box.
Students can use their M7 or S-Card to pay half the standard one-way fare on the Commuter Rail and ferry. Discounted monthly Commuter Rail and ferry passes are not available, but students can use their M7 or S-Card to buy 10-ride passes for half the standard price.
M7 Card
During the school year (September 1 – June 30), show your pass to the conductor to travel in Commuter Rail Zones 1A, 1, and 2.
In July and August, or to travel to other zones, show your card at a ticket booth to pay 50% the standard one-way fare.
S-Card
Year-round, show your card at a ticket booth to pay 50% of the standard one-way fare. Or, show your card to the conductor to buy your Commuter Rail ticket onboard in cash.
Valid Middle or High School ID
Show a valid middle or high school ID at a ticket booth or to the conductor to pay 50% of the standard one-way fare.
Please note: If you board at a station with a ticket window or vending machine, there may be an additional $3 fee to buy your ticket onboard.
Planning Your Trip
Plan your trip to school with our trip planner tool–you can even tell it when you need to arrive so you aren’t late. Review your route options with a parent or guardian to choose the one that’s right for you.
While You Ride
To help make riding the T a pleasant experience for everyone, please follow our rider etiquette guide, and read our rules for bringing bikes on the T.
Be aware of your surroundings while on public transportation, follow our safety tips, and remember—if you see something, say something.
T-Alerts
Stay informed. Get alerts about service delays and elevator/escalator outages by text or email.
Sign up for T-AlertsHelpful Links
School Administrators
Find out how your school can sign up for the MBTA's institutional sales program.
MyCharlie
Already have a Student CharlieCard card? Reload it online with MyCharlie.
Please note that new Student CharlieCards cannot be purchased online.
College Student CharlieCards
Students at participating universities may be eligible for reduced MBTA fares through the Semester Pass Program.