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Tap to Ride

The MBTA is improving the way you pay for transit with the introduction of contactless payment on busGreen Line and Mattapan trolleys, and all gated subway stations. You can pay the same standard fare by tapping your contactless debit/credit card, phone, or watch with a mobile wallet—making it easier for you to get going.

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.

Illustration of phone, card, and watch with Charlie brand tubing designs behind them

Step 1. Choose

Choose how you want to pay—you'll use the same method for your entire trip:

Credit/debit card: Check if your card has the four-waved contactless symbol on the front or back.

Phone/watch: Make sure you have a card set up in your mobile wallet.

Note: Tapping with contactless payment is optional. You can still use cash or a CharlieCard to pay your fare. 

 Rider tapping contactless watch on bus reader that reads tap here

Step 2. Tap

Tap your card or device on the Charlie reader at the fare gate or the bus or street-level train door.

Rider tapping Visa card on Charlie reader that reads GO on a green screen at fare gate

Step 3. Ride

Wait for the green "Go" screen, then ride.

About the New Charlie System

Illustration of phone, card, and watch with Charlie brand tubing designs behind them

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. 

Learn more about the new Charlie system

Tap to Ride with Reduced Fares

Learn more about linking your reduced fare benefits to contactless payment

What to Know Before You Ride

Contactless payment will only be available on bus, subway, and light rail routes at first, though we plan to expand to other modes. It’s best for riders who don’t already have a CharlieCard or who want to pay as they go.

You should keep using your typical payment method if you:

  • Pay for transit using cash
  • Use a weekly or monthly pass
  • Ride the Commuter Rail or ferry
  • Receive a pass from your employer or school
  • Pay Local Bus fare on an Express Bus

Contactless Payment Travel Tips

Follow these tips to travel stress-free and avoid accidental tap charges with the new Charlie system.

Learn more about reviewing charges from accidental taps

Contact Us

For questions or comments about the new Charlie system, fill out the Charlie customer support form.

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.

About the New Charlie System

Illustration of phone, card, and watch with Charlie brand tubing designs behind them

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. 

Learn more about the new Charlie system

Tap to Ride with Reduced Fares

Learn more about linking your reduced fare benefits to contactless payment