MBTA set for new fare system
Board approves installation pact
Though it's still working out the kinks with its new automated fare collection network, the MBTA is getting ready to install the ticket machines and gates throughout the subway system.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's Board of Directors approved a $22.9 million contract yesterday with City Lights Electrical Co. to replace ancient turnstiles and token machines with the high-tech equipment. Work should begin in January, with new fare tickets available at every station by December 2006. Fareboxes on all buses, to be installed by T staff, will also be in place by then.
The new CharlieTickets are already in most Blue Line stations and on some Silver Line buses. Some riders have complained about new fare gates already out of service, confusion about how to convert tokens into tickets, and problems inserting coins and dollar bills into the bus farebox.
Daniel Grabauskas, MBTA general manager, said the authority expected to run into some glitches and is aggressively working to fix them. New fareboxes should be aboard Silver Line buses on Washington Street this month, he said, and no equipment installation will take place after that for the rest of this year so the T can monitor the Blue and Silver lines and make adjustments as needed.
''When you are installing a $200 million, cutting-edge technology system in America's oldest subway, we know there are going to be issues," Grabauskas said. ''We are learning from each installation."
He called the first generation bus farebox overly complicated, unreliable, and disappointing but expressed hope the new boxes will be better.
The T board also approved adding $693,000 to a contract with Edwards and Kelcey for extra design work that includes drawing up plans for placing the fare vending machines in terminals at Logan International Airport so travelers can purchase their subway and bus fares while waiting for their luggage.
In other business yesterday:
But board members chastised the company for the problems, which have disrupted trips for thousands of disabled people and others who can't take the stairs. The board recently temporarily retained KONE's services but is holding off approving a standard five-year renewal.
''This is central to people's quality of life," said T Director Janice Loux. ''We appreciate the improvements but if we don't see it improving considerably moving forward, you're not going to get the contract."
The ads say that commuters can save up to $275 a month, depending on distance traveled, by riding T trains.
Lucas Wall can be reached at lwall@globe.com. 
