Smartphones, Credit Cards on Horizon: MBTA Eyes Cashless Payment Options

By ALISON BAUTER (Patch Staff)

TEWKSBURY, MA - The days of consolidating Charlie Tickets and scrounging for loose change may be behind us in a matter of years, as the MBTA goes on the hunt for a new payment system.

The MBTA made the announcement during a meeting Monday, Statehouse News reports. There, the system's chief technology officer shared plans to eventually phase out cash payments across the board, reducing the high price of maintaining fare boxes on buses and trolleys.

The MBTA will put out a formal request for proposals, and hopes to have riders tapping phones or credit cards for payment in as little as two years, once they pick a provider, Statehouse News reports.

Example systems cited include Chicago, Salt Lake City, and London. Patch took a look at how riders pay in each of those systems.

London

The Tube and other London transit systems accept one-day paper tickets, travel cards and a cashless payment system known as Oyster cards, as well as debit and credit cards. London ended cash payments on buses in 2014.

Similar to Chicago's Ventra Card system, Oyster cards can be loaded with money online or through cash/credit at terminals. A limited version of the Oyster card system debuted in 2003, and in its early years experienced technical glitches that resulted inovercharging and other issues.

Officials say the debit and credit payment system, known as "contactless payments," will eventually render its paper passes and even Oyster card system obsolete. It also accepts certain smartphone and other digital payment options, such as Apple Pay.

Chicago

Riders on Chicago's Metra subway system and CTA bus/rail lines swipe a Ventra Card, similar to a credit card and available for purchase at any train or subway station. Unlike the MBTA's current CharlieCard, users can add or transfer Ventra Card funds through their bank account. Disposable Ventra Tickets are also available.

On buses, riders can use the Ventra system or pay a one-way fare with cash.

Ventra's new mobile app rolled out in December. It lets users manage their Ventra accounts, plan trips and track transit schedules via smartphone and tablet. It also enables certain contactless payment systems, such as Apple Pay.

The app's arrival comes nearly three years after the Ventra card debuted. The app has gotten relatively positive reviews so far, but the Ventra card's debut was bumpy in 2013.

Salt Lake City

For Salt Lake City's Frontrunner commuter rail system, TRAX light-rail trains and bus system, riders can pay through an electronic fare system.

That means tapping in and out with a credit or debit card, or using a FAREPAY card. The reloadable cards are managed through an account on the Utah Transit Authority's site. The UTA also sells punch passes that can be purchased for a limited number of trips or for groups.

The UTA continues to offer discounts on FAREPAY cards to encourage rider use. Its smart card system began in 2013.