Finally, tap-and-pay for the MBTA
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The test phase is over and you can tap away all day. Photo: Mike Deehan/Axios
Starting this morning, the T is accepting contactless payments at most fare gate locations, meaning riders can board subway trains, buses and trolleys by tapping a credit card or cell phone against newly installed readers.
Why it matters: It's the first new payment system since the introduction of Charlie Cards in 2006 and brings to Boston a modern technology several other major subway networks have had for years.
Between the lines: The T has struggled to update its payment system for the better part of a decade. The project cost nearly $1 billion to implement, about $300 million more than originally budgeted.
What they're saying: "Last year this project needed a course correction and I'm proud of the progress made to deliver this important amenity for our riders, bringing our payment system for our bus and subway system into the 21st century," MBTA General Manager Phil Eng said.
How it works: For riders with a mobile phone, credit or debit card equipped with a near field communication chip, or NFC, boarding a vehicle or passing through a fare gate will require only a tap followed by a green checkmark confirmation.
- NFC cards usually have a logo of five waves on the back.
- The traditional Charlie Cards and passes will still work as they always have.
- The new NFC screens are placed on top of the fare gate and onboard buses and trolleys.
The T is warning riders to hold their purses, bags and wallets away from the new fare readers to avoid accidental charges.
- The new system is also not for riders who want to use cash. The old Charlie Card machine will still accept bills.
- Riders with weekly or monthly passes also need to stick to the old system.
- Plans are in the works for ferries and the Commuter Rail to switch to the new system in the future.