About the New Charlie System
The MBTA is transitioning to a new fare system to make it easier for riders to pay their fares. The new system will introduce new ways to pay so you can tap and go with contactless payment or the new Charlie Card.
We’re transitioning to the new system in phases so we can test new features before we roll them out.
Trying to manage your CharlieCard?
This site is for the MBTA’s new contactless payment system, Charlie. To manage your CharlieCards or sign up for Auto-pay, please visit MyCharlie.
Tap to Ride
Available Now
These features have been tested with a group of participants and are now available to the public.
Pay with Contactless on Bus and Subway
Pay by tapping a contactless credit/debit card, phone, or watch at the following locations:
- On buses (including the Silver Line)
- On Green Line and Mattapan trolleys
- At all gated subway stations
We'll expand contactless payment options to other modes in phases.
Contactless pay is a fast, easy option for pay-as-you-go travel. Cash and CharlieCards will still be accepted in addition to contactless payment methods.
Learn more about contactless payment
The Charlie Digital Assistant
Riders enrolled in reduced fare programs can link their benefits to their contactless credit/debit card, phone, or watch with the help of the Charlie digital assistant. The assistant is located at the bottom right of the Charlie website.
Learn more about linking your reduced fare benefits
Manage Your Contactless Payment Account
Register for a Charlie account, where you can manage the cards and devices you use to pay your fare. Once registered, you’ll be able to add multiple payment methods and set personalized preferences for accessibility, language, and notifications.
More customization options will be added to the account portal as we continue to release new ways to pay.
Learn more about account features
Charlie Service Center
The new Charlie Service Center, formerly known as the CharlieCard Store, is open to the public at 296 Washington St. The new center will be in a more accessible location open on Mondays, 8:30 AM – 12:15 PM by appointment only and Tuesday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5 PM.
Store services remain the same, in addition to new self-service terminals to help you connect your reduced fare benefits to the contactless payment method of your choice.
Coming Soon
These features are currently in development or testing and will be released to the public at a later date.
The New Charlie Card
The MBTA is developing a new Charlie Card that will replace current CharlieCards, CharlieTickets, and mTicket passes. Unlike the old CharlieCard, you’ll be able to use the new Charlie Card to tap onto any mode—you’ll no longer need to carry separate cards and tickets for travel.
You’ll be able to load your new Charlie Card with stored value, passes, or reduced fares. You'll also be able to manage your card online alongside your other payment methods.
Upgraded Fare Technology
As our system rollout continues, you will start to see new fare payment devices installed on vehicles, in stations, and at bus stops. This upgraded equipment supports the new payment system and has improved functionality and reliability.
Upgraded fare vending machines will be installed at subway stations, allowing you to add value to your Charlie Cards, buy passes, or reload your Charlie account.
New fare vending machines will be installed at select bus stops. You’ll be able to preload your Charlie Cards with cash and passes for faster boarding
Upcoming Fare Projects
Contact Customer Support
For issues with fare payment, accidental taps, issues with your account, or anything else regarding the Charlie system you can contact us through the call center at 617-222-3200 or the Charlie customer support form.
Accessibility Features
While designing the new Charlie system, the MBTA has ensured that accessibility is a top priority within our policies and equipment. This process was guided by rider feedback and user testing sessions with older adults and people with disabilities.
The new system will continue to support current accessibility features and new tools throughout each phase of the system rollout.
As always, MBTA employees are still required to honor all reasonable requests for assistance by customers with disabilities in accordance with MBTA rules and policies.
In addition to the new accessibility features, the new system will support four different languages across in-person readers and online platforms.
Learn more about setting language preferences
Rider Resources
Contact Us
For questions or comments about the new Charlie system, fill out the Charlie customer support form.
Tap to Ride
Upcoming Fare Projects
Contact Customer Support
For issues with fare payment, accidental taps, issues with your account, or anything else regarding the Charlie system you can contact us through the call center at 617-222-3200 or the Charlie customer support form.