Entering Stations & Boarding Vehicles
Once you have your card or ticket, you'll use it to enter the fare gates in-station and when boarding T vehicles.
Entering Fare Gates with Charlie
Clean, modern fare gates replace old T turnstiles
Using cards and tickets at the new fare gates is simple and takes just a few seconds. After loading a card or ticket with value or a T-Pass, simply approach the gate and either insert a CharlieTicket into the ticket entry slot or 'tap' or 'touch' a CharlieCard to the card target at the front of the gate.
If you're using a CharlieTicket, the gate will deduct the appropriate value from your ticket or recognize your T-Pass and return your ticket through the ticket exit slot for you to remove and save (remember, tickets are reusable and rechargeable). If you are using a CharlieCard, the gate will automatically deduct the appropriate value from your card or recognize your T-Pass—just tap your card on the card target and go.
If you're using a ticket, the gates will not open until you remove your ticket from the ticket exit slot. Proceed through the gates and board your vehicle.
Using Station Fare Gates
Every subway station is equipped now with new fare gates that can accept CharlieCards and CharlieTickets.
CharlieCard
Tap or touch a CharlieCard to the black box/card target at the front of the fare gate.
The fare gate will automatically recognize your stored value or T-pass and deduct the appropriate amount—just tap your card on the card target and go.
The fare gate will open and you may proceed through to the platform.
CharlieTicket
Insert a CharlieTicket into the ticket entry slot at the front of the fare gate. Be sure the orange arrow is facing upwards and forwards.
The fare gate will automatically recognize your ticket's stored value or T-pass and deduct the appropriate amount and return your ticket through the ticket exit slot.
Remove your ticket from the exit slot and save for later trips (remember, tickets are reusable and rechargeable).
The fare gate will open and you may proceed through to the platform.
Common Questions about using the fare gates
Does the fare gate accept old T tokens?
No. The fare gates require CharlieCards or CharlieTickets to enter. You can exchange old T tokens at the fare vending machines to purchase CharlieTickets and or add-value to cards and tickets. Insert T tokens into the 'coins' slot. Tokens are worth $1.25.
I'm traveling with children. How long will the gate stay open to let us through?
If you are traveling with children, please use the accessible fare gate—it's larger and will remain open longer. Up to two children 11 and under ride for free when accompanied by an adult.
Why does the fare gate return my CharlieTicket after I insert it into the fare gate?
The fare gates return your ticket (at the top of the faregate) so that you can reuse it. CharlieTickets can store multiple rides or a T Pass. Remember to take your ticket with you.
Still have questions about Charlie?
Read the complete Charlie FAQ, or contact Customer Support at 617-222-3200.
Entering On-Board Fare Boxes
Modern fareboxes on busses and subway lines with 'above ground' stops.
Using cards and tickets when boarding T vehicles is simple and takes just a few seconds. After loading a card or ticket with value at a fare vending machine or retail sales terminal, simply enter a bus (or subway at an above ground stop) and either insert a CharlieTicket into the ticket entry slot or 'tap' or 'touch' a CharlieCard to the black box/card target.
If you're using a CharlieTicket, the farebox will deduct the appropriate value from your ticket and return your ticket through the ticket slot for you to remove and save (remember, tickets are reusable and rechargeable). If you are using a CharlieCard, the farebox will automatically deduct the appropriate amount of value from your card-just tap your card and enter the vehicle.
If you don't have a card or ticket, you can pay cash-on-board when entering a bus or subway at an above ground stop. Bus fareboxes accept coins, old T-tokens, $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills—all change greater than or equal to .50 cents will be provided as stored-value on a CharlieTicket for use toward fares at other fareboxes or in-station.
Using On-board Fare Boxes
All Buses are equipped with new fare gates that accept CharlieCards, CharlieTickets or cash.
CharlieCard
Tap or touch a CharlieCard to the black box/card target. Be sure your Charlie Card is stored with the appropriate value or T-pass.
The fare box will automatically recognize your card's stored value or T-pass and deduct the appropriate amount—just tap your card on the card target and go.
Using the same CharlieCard, Subway and Bus transfers are included automatically.
CharlieTicket
Insert a CharlieTicket into the ticket entry slot.(Remember, you will incur a surcharge for cash or stored-value use. To avoid the surcharge, we recommend using a CharlieCard.)
The fare box will automatically recognize your ticket's stored value or T-pass and deduct the appropriate amount and return your ticket through the ticket exit slot.
Remove your ticket from the exit slot and save for later trips.(Remember, tickets are reusable and rechargeable.)
Local Bus transfers are included when using the CharlieTicket.
Cash
To pay cash-on-board, insert cash, coins or tokens into the fare box. Bus fare boxes accept coins, old T-tokens, $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills.(Remember, you will incur a surcharge for cash or stored-value use. To avoid the surcharge, we recommend using a CharlieCard.)
If you are owed change of 50 cents or greater, the fare gate will return your change as stored value on a new CharlieTicket.
Remove the ticket and save for use toward fares at other fareboxes or at in-station vending machines.
Common Questions about using Charlie to board T vehicles
Can I still pay cash-on-board T vehicles?
Yes, but cash-on-board customers pay standard T fares plus a surcharge. (No surcharges apply when using a plastic CharlieCard or when storing a T-Pass on a paper CharlieTicket.) On-board fareboxes accept coins, old T tokens, $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills—all change greater than or equal to .50 cents will be provided as stored-value on a CharlieTicket for use toward fares at other fareboxes or in-station.
Can I buy a CharlieTicket on-board or do I need a ticket prior to boarding?
Customers can purchase CharlieTickets on board at fareboxes. To save time and keep boarding lines moving, purchase and store value on your ticket or card at in-station fare vending machines or at retail sales terminals or purchase a T-Pass for your CharlieCard or CharlieTicket—it's a savings over paying cash everyday.
Can I add stored-value using on-board fareboxes?
CharlieTicket and CharlieCard customers should add stored-value using full-service in-station fare vending machines or retail sales terminals. Cash-on-board customers should consider purchasing several rides at one time on a CharlieTicket. Pay $5, $10, or $20 at an on-board farebox/vending machine and receive the balance in a stored-value CharlieTicket. Remember, to avoid confusion, long boarding lines and transit delays, add stored-value at a full-service in-station fare vending machine.
Still have questions about Charlie?
Read the complete Charlie FAQ, or contact Customer Support at 617-222-3200.
