CharlieCard
The CharlieCard is a contactless smart card used for fare payment for transportation in the Boston area. It is the primary payment method for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and several regional public transport systems in the U.S. state of Massachusetts.
Location | Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
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Launched | December 4, 2006 |
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Manager | Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |
Currency | USD |
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Website | https://www.mbta.com/fares/charliecard |
The card was introduced on December 4, 2006, to enhance the technology of the transit system and eliminate the burden of carrying and collecting tokens. It replaces the metal token, the last one of which was sold at Government Center station on December 6, 2006.
By 2025, the MBTA plans to replace the original CharlieCard system to one similar to that of the London Oyster Card or New York City OMNY. The new system will allow payments with contactless cards and smartphones, alongside CharlieCards.