This article is an edited version of an MBTA press release.
The MBTA today announced that contactless payments will be accepted on board buses, Green Line trolleys, Mattapan Line trolleys, and at all gated subway stations beginning Thursday, August 1, 2024.
This new initiative is part of the MBTA’s goal of offering easier, more convenient, and modernized ways for riders to pay fares.
“Transitioning to this contactless system is a part of the next generation of transportation that our riders deserve. This will allow them to save time and make it easier for riders and travelers to pay and board as they use the system,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt.
Contactless payment options provide better flexibility and allow riders to pay by tapping a contactless credit/debit card, phone with a mobile wallet, or watch on new fare readers that have been installed on buses, trolleys, and at all gated subway stations.
Riders can look for the contactless symbol, tap their card or device on the reader at the fare gate or the reader at the vehicle door, wait for the green checkmark, then ride.
To avoid the possibility of accidental taps and charges of their contactless credit or debit cards, riders are encouraged to hold their purses, bags, and backpacks away from the contactless readers.
Riders in reduced fare programs (such as Senior, Student, and TAP) will have the option to link their benefits to their contactless card, phone, or watch.
Contactless payment options will operate in accordance with the MBTA's privacy policy, which is available at mbta.com/policies/privacy-policy. The MBTA is committed to a strong culture of privacy based on protecting our customers’ personal information as well as being as transparent as possible in how we use customer data and how customers may access, update, or delete their personal information.
A new website, Charlie.mbta.com, will allow riders to manage payments, check balances, and access other tools (registration is optional).
More information is available at mbta.com/TapToRide.
