Paying Bus Fares On Mbta In Boston: A Guide

If you're planning to take the bus in Boston, you'll need to know how to pay your fare. MBTA buses offer several options for payment, including cash, CharlieCards, CharlieTickets, and contactless payment methods. The type of payment you choose will depend on how often you plan to ride the bus and which routes you will be taking. Local Bus and Express Bus fares differ, and you can also purchase passes for unlimited rides within a certain time frame. It's important to note that transfer rules vary based on your payment method and pass type. Understanding these options will help you navigate the MBTA bus system in Boston with ease.

Paying with a CharlieCard

Obtaining a CharlieCard

Before you can start using a CharlieCard, you'll need to get your hands on one. CharlieCards are available for free from fare vending machines in most subway stations. You can also obtain one from MBTA staff at most subway stations and select bus stations. Additionally, you can get a free CharlieCard from various municipal offices, community centers, and public libraries in Boston and its surrounding areas.

Loading Value or Passes onto Your CharlieCard

Once you have your CharlieCard, you'll need to load it with value or passes. You can do this at fare vending machines, which are located at all subway stations and some Commuter Rail stations. These machines accept cash, major credit/debit cards, and even EBT cards. You can also load value or passes onto your CharlieCard at select retail stores throughout Greater Boston and Providence. These stores accept cash, credit/debit cards, and sometimes EBT cards.

Using Your CharlieCard on Buses

When you're ready to board an MBTA bus, simply tap your CharlieCard on the fare box target. The display will show how much value remains on your card. If you're transferring from another bus or train, you may need to pay the difference in fares when you tap. It's important to note that you cannot buy or reload 1-day, 7-day, or monthly passes at onboard fare boxes.

Managing Your CharlieCard Online

While you cannot load value or passes onto your CharlieCard online, you can register it with MyCharlie to protect your balance in case of loss, theft, or damage. The updated MyCharlie site allows you to manage your cards, protect your balance, and sign up for Auto-pay, all in one place. You can also give your cards nicknames to stay organized and see which cards are signed up for Auto-pay or reduced fares.

Replacing or Renewing Your CharlieCard

If your CharlieCard is expired, you may be able to transfer the balance to a new card. You can do this at the Charlie Service Center or by mailing your expired card to the MBTA Revenue Department. If your card is registered and has been lost or stolen, call 888-844-0355 to get it replaced. For other replacement or renewal scenarios, visit the Charlie Service Center or contact Customer Support.

Paying with a CharlieTicket

• Locating a Vending Machine: Find a Charlie Ticket automated machine at any subway station in Boston. These machines are easily accessible and located near the fare gates.
• Initiating the Purchase: Start the process by selecting the option for a new ticket on the vending machine's screen. Look for the "Bus and Subway Tickets" option and touch it to proceed.
• Selecting the Fare Amount: Choose the fare amount that suits your needs. For example, if you plan to make a round trip, you can touch the "$5.00" option, which covers two trips at $2.50 each way.
• Payment Method: Select your preferred payment method from the available options: Cash, Credit Card, or Debit Card. Ensure you have the necessary funds available in your chosen payment method.
• Confirming Payment: After selecting your payment method, confirm the transaction. You may need to follow additional instructions on the screen, such as inserting cash or swiping your card.
• Receiving the Ticket: Once the payment is confirmed, the CharlieTicket will be dispensed. Typically, it will appear below the screen on your left. Make sure to take your ticket before leaving the vending machine.
• Using the Ticket: When boarding a bus or entering a subway station, you can use your CharlieTicket by inserting it into the fare box. The ticket slot will have an orange arrow, indicating the correct orientation for insertion. The machine will read your ticket, and it will be returned to you.
• Understanding Beeps: Pay attention to the beeps from the fare box, as they indicate the status of your payment. One beep means your CharlieTicket fare was successfully paid. Two beeps indicate that your CharlieTicket was used for a transfer. Three beeps signal that the machine couldn't read your ticket or that there were insufficient funds.
• Reloading the Ticket: If you need to add more value to your CharlieTicket, you can do so at the vending machine or onboard the bus. On the bus, you can add cash value to your CharlieTicket using coins or bills, with a limit of $20. Inform the driver of your intention and follow the instructions for loading value.
• Transfer Rules: It's important to note that CharlieTickets offer different transfer options depending on the type of fare. With a Local Bus fare, a CharlieTicket includes one free transfer to another Local Bus or specific Silver Line routes (SL4 or SL5) within two hours of the first tap. For Express Bus service, a CharlieTicket provides one free transfer to the subway, Local Bus, Express Bus, or any Silver Line route within two hours of the initial tap.

Paying with cash

You can pay your fare in cash on all MBTA buses. The MBTA encourages riders to pay cash fares with exact change. If you expect to pay more than the required one-way fare, you can load cash onto a CharlieCard from the onboard dispenser and use the remaining amount to pay your fare on another mode of transit, or reload it at a fare vending machine.

To pay your fare, tell the driver you are paying in cash, and insert the amount displayed on the fare box. If a fare box takes your cash without accepting payment, call 617-222-3200 for assistance.

Please note that cash fare payments do not include transfers to other modes of transit.

CharlieCard

You can add up to $20 in cash value to a CharlieCard at onboard fare boxes. Tell the driver you need to add value to your CharlieCard. Press the white button in the upper right corner on the fare box. Tap your CharlieCard on the fare box target into the machine with the orange arrow facing up and away from you. Insert cash or coins up to your desired value. Change is not returned from onboard fare boxes. You can load value and keep your change on your CharlieCard instead. Press the white button again. Tap your CharlieCard to complete the transaction. Tap your CharlieCard one more time to pay your fare.

Where to Get a CharlieCard

You can get a CharlieCard at fare vending machines or at select retail stores throughout Greater Boston and Providence.

Fare vending machines are located at all subway stations and at the Lynn and Worcester/Union Commuter Rail stations. Most machines accept cash, major credit/debit cards, and EBT cards. Some machines only accept credit/debit/EBT cards and are marked to indicate that they don’t accept cash.

Fares

For Local Bus service, a one-way fare is $1.70 with cash. For Express Bus service, a one-way fare is $4.25 with cash.

Paying with a contactless payment method

The MBTA is improving the way you pay for transit with the introduction of contactless payment on bus and light rail routes.

Contactless payment methods are a simple and quick way to pay for your journey. You can use your contactless credit or debit card, or your smartphone, to make fare payments without needing to carry cash or buy a ticket.

Here's how to pay using a contactless payment method:

Before You Board

• Ensure your card is loaded with sufficient funds to cover your fare.
• Check that your card is activated for contactless payments. Most modern cards have this feature, but it's always good to verify.
• If using a smartphone, ensure your device is charged and that you have a payment app set up with the necessary payment details.

At the Bus Stop

• As the bus approaches, position yourself near the bus stop sign so the operator knows to stop for you.
• Have your contactless card or smartphone ready as you board.

On Board the Bus

• When boarding, simply tap your contactless card or smartphone on the fare box target.
• The display on the fare box will show how much value remains on your card after deducting the fare.
• Alternatively, you can insert your contactless card into the fare box ticket slot. The machine will read your card, deduct the fare, and then return it to you. The display will show the remaining balance on your card.
• If using a smartphone, open your payment app and follow the instructions to complete the transaction.

Important Things to Note

• Always listen for the beeps: One long beep indicates a successful payment, while three quick beeps mean the machine couldn't process your payment, and you may need to try again or use an alternative payment method.
• The MBTA accepts various contactless payment methods, including those from major credit and debit card providers. Look for the contactless payment symbol on your card to ensure compatibility.
• Keep your card or device close at hand as you may need to tap again when transferring between different modes of transport.
• Treat your contactless card like cash. If it's lost or stolen, report it immediately to prevent unauthorized use.

Paying with a pass

Types of Passes

The MBTA offers a range of passes to suit different needs. These include:

• One-Day Pass: This pass provides unlimited travel for 24 hours on local buses and the subway from the first use. It costs $11.00.
• Seven-Day Pass: The 7-Day Pass allows for unlimited travel on local buses and the subway from the initial tap. It is priced at $22.50.
• Monthly Passes: For frequent travellers, monthly passes are available for local buses, express buses, and the subway. The prices vary depending on the type of pass chosen. For example, the Local Bus Monthly Pass is $55.00, while the Express Bus Monthly Pass is $136.00.
• Commuter Rail Passes: These passes are valid for travel on the Commuter Rail and may include travel on the East Boston Ferry, Hingham/Hull Ferry, or other ferry routes, depending on the zone. The price depends on the designated pass zone.

Where to Buy Passes

MBTA offers several options for purchasing passes:

• Fare Vending Machines: These machines are located at all subway stations and selected Commuter Rail stations (Lynn and Worcester/Union). You can buy or reload 1-day, 7-day, and monthly passes here. Most machines accept cash, major credit/debit cards, and EBT cards.
• Retail Sales Locations: Passes can be purchased at select retail stores throughout the region, offering convenience and flexibility. These stores generally accept cash, credit, and debit cards, and some also take EBT cards.
• Online Options: While you can't load money or passes onto your CharlieCard online, you can register it with MyCharlie to protect your balance if it's lost, stolen, or damaged. Additionally, the mTicket app provides an option for buying certain passes electronically.

Using Your Pass

When you're ready to board the bus, follow these steps:

• Tap Your Card: For a seamless transaction, simply tap your CharlieCard on the fare box target. The display will show the remaining balance on your card.
• Insert Your Ticket: If you have a CharlieTicket, insert it into the fare box ticket slot with the orange arrow facing up and away from you. The machine will read your ticket, and it will be returned to you. The display will also show the remaining value on your ticket.
• Listen for Beeps: To confirm a successful payment, listen for the beeps. One long beep indicates a successful payment, while three quick beeps mean the machine couldn't process your payment, and you may need to try again.
• Transfer Rules: Keep in mind the transfer rules when using your pass. For example, with a 1-day, 7-day, or monthly LinkPass, you have unlimited transfers to the Local Bus. However, there are no free transfers with cash payments.

Frequently asked questions