Taking Charlie for a ride

A new card-based fare system for the MBTA will start on the Silver Line in February, on the Blue Line in late spring, and be implemented system-wide by 2006. TWO NEW WAYS TO PAY
CharlieCards and CharlieTickets will eventually be sold or recharged at touch-screen machines in multiple languages at any subway station using cash or credit or debit cards.

CharlieCard
Monthly pass that can also store credit for rides not covered by current monthly passes.

 Funds are automatically deducted when a sensor reads the computer chip embedded in the thick plastic.

CharlieTicket
Rechargeable ticket for occasional users can work as a monthly pass or store individual prepaid fares.

 Funds are deducted when the paper ticket is fed through a magnetic-strip reader.

Tokens will still be accepted, but the coins will be phased out.

Bus riders may pay with either cards or cash.