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The CharlieCard is a contactless, stored value smart card that passengers will carry as part of an automated fare collection system which the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) expects to introduce to the general public in 2007. * The card will automatically debit the cost of the passenger’s ride when placed near the turnstile or fare box. Time based passes can also be loaded allowing unlimited travel within the specified time range. Transit riders will be able to add value to the card at machines located at MBTA stations, MBTA ticket offices and on-line. The CharlieCard employs technology currently in use in Washington D.C, Chicago, Hong Kong (the Octopus Card), Seoul, Singapore and London.
In preparation for the CharlieCard, the MBTA is currently deploying the CharlieTicket, a paper stored value card with a magnetic stripe. The MBTA first implemented the CharlieTicket on the Silver Line in February of 2005. The CharlieTicket is currently in use at most Blue Line stations, and is being installed gradually on the other lines, and on buses (see "Where to use your CharlieTicket" below). The CharlieTicket is similar to the New York MetroCard. When all the equipment is installed, the CharlieCard will debut. Riders who do not opt for the permanence of the CharlieCard will still be able to use the CharlieTicket, though in the proposed fare structure for January 2007 the MBTA wants to charge more per ride for the CharlieTicket to encourage CharlieCard use.
Although it is not indicated on the ticket vending machines, they accept MBTA tokens via the coin slot, yielding the correct $1.25 credit for each token inserted. In this way, riders can convert tokens into CharlieTickets.
MBTA commuter rail passes are also on CharlieTickets, although they are valid for a particular month rather than having a stored value. They can be used at all stations and on all buses in addition to their designated commuter rail zone.
CharlieCard deployment to MBTA commuter rail, The Ride, and ferry boats is not planned until 2007.
Effect on transit employees
Existing token vendors will be retrained as Customer Service Agents (CSAs), who will provide guidance in the stations. They will work outside the existing token booths, which will be used to house computer servers and other equipment needed for the automated fare collection system. The MBTA also plans "Hub Stations" within six existing subway stations. These glass-walled control rooms will house personnel monitoring various signal and alarm systems, including Closed-circuit television (CCTV). Personnel in the Hub Stations will be able to direct customer service agents to customers, and will interact with customers via call boxes located throughout the system. To support the added technology, the MBTA is connecting all subway stations in a fiber optic loop digital network, largely using its own right of way.
Where to use your CharlieCard or CharlieTicket
Automated Fare Collection equipment has been installed in the following stations and vehicles:
- Blue Line: Airport, Aquarium, Beachmont, Orient Heights, Revere Beach, State, Suffolk Downs, Wonderland, Wood Island
- Red Line: Andrew, Braintree, Broadway, JFK/UMass, Kendall, North Quincy, Quincy Adams, Quincy Center, Savin Hill, South Station, Wollaston
- Silver Line Waterfront: South Station, World Trade Center, Courthouse (New farebox is NOT on buses)
- Silver Line Washington Street: New farebox on all buses (accepts cash/coin, CharlieTicket/Card, tokens)
- Green Line: Boylston, Haymarket, Lechmere, Prudential, Symphony
- Orange Line: Forest Hills, Haymarket, Oak Grove, State
Coming Soon at these stations:
- Red Line: Alewife, Central, Davis, Harvard (Pass Office), Park Street
- Green Line: Kenmore, Hynes/ICA, Park Street
- Orange Line: Community College, Green Street, Malden, New England Medical, Stony Brook, Wellington
- Silver Line Waterfront: Logan Terminals (July/August)
Note: coming soon schedule developed from MBTA materials and other sources. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
The name
The CharlieCard is named after a fictional character in a campaign song, Charlie on the MTA. The song was written in 1948 to protest a fare increase in the form of an extra five cent exit fare for longer rides and was later made popular by the Kingston Trio. Ironically, the Charlie Card will make future fare increases and higher rates for longer rides easier to implement.
symbol for the MBTA.
External links
Boston-area public transportation | Contactless smartcards | Fare collection systems
"CharlieCard"