MBTA hits pause on modernizing fares

• But based on the contractor's most recent schedule, the project is unlikely to hit its 2024 target, T spokesperson Joe Pesaturo said in a statement.

Why it matters: Updating and standardizing how the T collects fares would make the system more accessible by letting riders use new passes, credit cards or their cell phones to board.

• You could pay upon entry on vehicles with multiple doors like the Green Line and buses, which would speed up boarding.
• One pass, credit card or mobile phone account would work on the subway, commuter rail, buses, trollies and ferries.

Flashback: The T hired Cubic Transportation Systems in 2017 to build the new system for $723 million, with hopes installation would start in mid-2020.

• After the pandemic hit, Cubic and T officials agreed to phases for installing the project, with the commuter rail as the final phase in 2024.
• But by May 2021, the start of the project got pushed back to 2024 and the cost to the state ballooned to $935 million.