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Field Guide to Boston
Trusted tips for Bostonians to try the T's tap-to-pay tech
Apple unveiled its "Apple Pay" system in 2014. Visa and Mastercard rolled out contactless credit cards in 2004.
On Aug. 1, 2024, the generation-old technology comes to an MBTA stop near you.
Greater Boston's transit service will roll out its oft-delayed tap-to-ride system in just a few weeks, giving riders the same payment option they've been using at gas stations and corner stores for years.
According to the MBTA, the new system works like it would elsewhere: pick the card, mobile phone or smart watch you want to use, wave it before the spot for waving such things, et voilà.
The T has been planning and building for the new payment method for years, so the change should not come as a surprise. But if you're someone who's not very technically savvy, or maybe are still swiping your credit cards out of habit, there are a few caveats to keep in mind:
Is this the end of the CharlieCard?
Rejoice, traditionalists: The current CharlieCard system will remain in place. In fact, according to the T, it's still essential for several riders, like those who:
- Pay for transit using cash
- Use a weekly or monthly pass
- Ride the commuter rail or ferry
- Receive a pass from an employer or school
One caveat: Your CharlieCard will not work with the new tap-to-ride readers, so pay attention to where you wave it.
Alas, tokens remain obsolete, though they can make for a sweet pair of cufflinks.
Pick a payment and stick with it
The beauty of the new system is you can use a multitude of payment options to get on the T. But the time of choosing is before your ride begins; if you switch to a second payment option when you get off the bus and walk onto a subway platform, you'll eat an additional charge.
Careful now with the full wallet tapping
This is a common practice under the current system, which can only read your CharlieCard. But you really don't want to wave your full wallet at the reader for a few reasons. For one, you can't be sure which of your RFID-enabled cards will get charged. Second, and worse, there's a chance more than one of your RFID-enabled cards will get charged. That's a pricey ride!
Can a teen or some other digital sage help me practice this new magic?
The best I can offer you is instructions on setting up your digital wallet. The T provides some straightforward instructions, but if you're a visual learner, here are some video tutorials:
