Student CharlieCards
Students at participating middle and high schools are eligible for reduced bus and subway fares.
Check with your school administrator or Boston Public Schools (BPS) Transportation to see if you’re eligible and find out how to get a card.
All student passes expire on August 31 of each year.
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.
Card Types
There are 2 types of student CharlieCards, and both of them offer discounts.
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S-Card
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Load with cash value
Load with daily, weekly, or monthly passes
Easily tap into stations and vehiclesValid on:
Subway
Bus
Commuter Rail, for 50% the standard one-way fare -
M7 Card
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Preloaded with monthly passes between September and June
Load with cash value or passes in July and AugustValid on:
Subway
Bus
Commuter Rail Zones 1A-2, or 50% the standard one-way fare in Zones 3-10
Paying Your Fare
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.
M7 Card
During the school year, your card is preloaded with your monthly pass. In July and August, load cash value or passes onto your M7 at any fare vending machine or at onboard fare boxes on buses and trolleys at street-level stops.
When You’re Ready to Board
Simply tap through faregates at subway stations or at the fare boxes on buses and at street-level trolley stops.
S-Card
Show your card at a Commuter Rail or ferry ticket booth to pay 50% of the standard one-way fare in cash.
You can also show your card to the conductor to pay your fare on board in cash, but there may be an additional $3 fee if you board at a station where you can purchase a ticket at a fare vending machine or ticket window.
M7 Card
During the school year, your pass is valid for travel in Commuter Rail Zones 1A, 1, and 2. To travel to other zones, show your pass at a ticket window to pay 50% the standard one-way fare.
Valid Middle or High School ID
Students can also pay 50% of the standard one-way fare with a valid middle or high school ID. Show it at the ticket booth or to the conductor when purchasing your ticket. Please note there may be a $3 fee for onboard ticket purchases if you board at a station where you can purchase a ticket at a fare vending machine or ticket window.
Please note: Discounted monthly passes are not available for the ferry or Commuter Rail. You can purchase 10-ride tickets for 50% of the standard fare.
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-AlertsSchool Administrators
Find out how your school can sign up for the MBTA's institutional sales program.
Helpful Links
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.