More options for CharlieCard

Program to expand to commuter rail, ferry boats

BOSTON. By 2011, MBTA customers will be able to use CharlieCards to pay for travel on all modes of transportation, including commuter rail and ferry boats, according to T officials.

Last week, the MBTA Board of Directors approved a three-year contract, worth nearly $3 million, with Parsons Transportation Group to implement automated fare collection technology. Under the plan, riders will also be able to use CharlieCards to pay at all of the MBTA’s parking facilities.

“Extending the CharlieCard system to commuter rail, parking, and ferry boat is a huge undertaking demanding many resources,” MBTA official Jack McLaughlin, director of the system-wide implementation of the automated fare
collection, told the board last week.

As gas prices continue to rise, so does MBTA ridership, which is up more than 6 percent in the first fours months of 2008 compared with 2007.

The T hopes providing automated fare collection throughout the system will provide a greater convenience and stronger services for its growing base of customers.

The effort marks Phase II of the MBTA’s plan to offer automated fare collection throughout the system using CharlieCards. Phase I included installing equipment for subway and bus travel. Parsons Transportation Group was also responsible for the design and implementation of Phase I.

The project will initially be funded by MBTA revenue bonds, but the T anticipates being reimbursed 80 percent of the costs by the Federal Transit Administration.