It is named after a fictional character in the folk song “M.T.A.”, often called “Charlie on the MTA”, which concerns a man forever trapped on the Boston subway system – then known as the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) – because he cannot pay the 5-cent surcharge required to leave the train.
What is a CharlieCard MBTA?
CharlieCards are reusable cards that can be loaded with cash value or passes to pay bus and subway fares. CharlieCards are available at select MBTA subway stations.
What do Bostonians call the subway?
The subway is the largest part of Boston’s public transit system, with more than 700,000 trips each weekday. It is often referred to simply as the T (the “T” from MBTA—the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority).
Do Boston CharlieCards expire?
Stored value CharlieTickets expire 18 months from the purchase date. Stored value CharlieTickets expire 18 months from the purchase date. Can I pay for more than 1 person using the same CharlieCard or CharlieTicket? Yes, if you use stored value (pay as you go) on a CharlieCard.
Are CharlieCards free?
TRAVEL PASSES AND CHARLIE CARDS
There is a daily pass for $12.75 a day and a monthly pass cost $90 a month. The best deal is the weekly even if you are only staying for two or three days because after using it for 5 round trips, every other trip is free.
What’s the difference between a Charlie Card and a Charlie ticket?
Charlie Ticket (flimsy little thing you stick into the machine to read the magnetic stripe) price is $2 for entrance to the subways. Charlie Card (like a credit or hotel card) is $1.70 for entrance to the subway. CharlieCard therefore saves you money. No reason to use a Charlie Ticket over Charlie Card.
Can you use your phone as a CharlieCard?
The new fare collection system will allow payment using new or temporary Charlie Cards, a mobile Charlie Card app, as well as contactless credit cards and mobile wallets.
What does the T mean in Boston?
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (abbreviated MBTA and known colloquially as “the T”) is the public agency responsible for operating most public transportation services in Greater Boston, Massachusetts.
Why is it called the L train?
CTA’s train system is known as the ‘L’ (a now-official name originally short for “elevated”). Trains serve over 140 stations located throughout the city and nearby suburbs, on elevated railways, in subways, or on the ground. Enter the station and pay fare.
What time does the T stop running Boston?
Essentials: Boston Subway Basics
First trip is generally between about 5am-6am, and last trip is generally between about 12:20pm and 12:50 – so best to depart by 12:15pm-12:30pm if you don’t need to change lines, and even earlier if you do.
Can I get a CharlieCard at Logan Airport?
CharlieTickets are valid for travel on the subway and local bus routes. You can buy them at fare vending machines in the terminals at Logan Airport, at Airport Station, and at South Station.
How much does the T cost in Boston?
MBTA “T” Map
To ride the T, you need to purchase a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket. These can be purchased at most subway stations at vending machines and at select convenience stores. The basic fare is $2.90 with a CharlieTicket or $2.40 if you have a Charlie Card. Kids 11 years and younger ride free!
What do I do with an expired CharlieCard?
Riders can mail expired cards to the MBTA Revenue Department and receive a new one by mail that will have the same cash value.
Can you use your Charlie Card on the commuter rail?
Use Your CharlieCard on the Commuter Rail. You can use your CharlieCard to pay for travel within Fairmount Line Zone 1A. Tap your CharlieCard at the fare validators on the platform.
Do college students get MBTA discount?
The T is working with colleges and universities to provide 11% discounts on MBTA passes for students through the Semester Pass Program. Depending on the type purchased, prepaid passes offer unlimited travel by bus, subway, Commuter Rail, and/or ferry for the whole semester.
How do I put money on my Charlie Card on the bus?
Tell the driver you need to add value to your CharlieCard. Press the white button in the upper right corner on the fare box. Tap your CharlieCard on the fare box target into the machine with the orange arrow facing up and away from you. Insert cash or coins up to your desired value.
Can you pay cash on Silver Line Boston?
You can pay your fare in cash onboard all MBTA buses. You can also add up to $20 in cash value to a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket at onboard fare boxes.
Can you add value to a Charlie ticket?
You can add a monthly pass or up to $50 in stored value (per transaction) to your existing CharlieCard, valid for use on subway, bus, and Silver Line buses.
Can you put a CharlieCard in Apple wallet?
Boston: MBTA says Apple Pay with Express Transit mode will be piloted in 2022 and rolled out widely in 2023. This will include CharlieCard fare card integration in the Wallet app.
Is the MBTA free right now?
More from Reduced Fares
The MBTA offers free service to children, military personnel, public servants, and government officials.
Why is the Orange Line Orange in Boston?
The Blue Line runs under Boston Harbor (the first subway line in the country to run under a large body of water), and water, of course, is blue. The Orange Line, prior to the late-’80s, was an Elevated line over Washington Street. Washington Street used to be called “Orange Way”. Hence, the Orange Line.