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MBTA contactless 'Charlie Card' coming in 2025 (maybe)


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#1 CNJRoss

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Posted 21 November 2017 - 05:24 PM

MBTA news release:

 
MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board Awards Contract to Advance AFC 2.0

 

Posted on November 20, 2017

 

New Automatic Fare Collection system will allow for multiple payment options and all-door boarding on Green Line trolleys and buses

 

Tap in and board also on commuter rail and MBTA ferries

 

Accessibility improvements including mobile app compatibility

 

 

 

BOSTON — Taking a major step toward a new system that will simplify fare collection and improve the delivery of transit services, the MBTA's Fiscal and Management Control Board today voted to award a multi-year contract to the consortium of Cubic-John Laing for the design, integration, and implementation of a new Automated Fare Collection system.

 

Known as AFC 2.0, the new system has a total program value, for capital and operating costs, of approximately $723 million, which includes operating costs through 2031. MBTA customers will begin to experience the first elements of the new system late in 2019. Full implementation will occur by mid-2020 followed by a retirement of the existing system in 2021.

 

"As the first public-private partnership for the MBTA, this method will allow a major customer service improvement to advance in a cost-effective manner," said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. "The contract structure for AFC 2.0 is a crucial component of this project because it serves as a method to deliver the project, to finance it, and to free up our own internal resources to focus on other critical MBTA efforts."

 

"This isn’t just the next generation of fare collection, but an entirely new way that our customers will interact with the MBTA," said MBTA General Manager Luis Manuel Ramírez. "The new system will be compatible with all modes, will provide more options for paying fares and will have more fare media available for use. To be clear, we still have much work ahead of us to involve our customers, stakeholders, and members of the community to ensure we all realize the benefits of the new system. But today is a major step forward in our partnership with the Cubic-John Laing team to completely transform and modernize our system of fare collection."

 

AFC 2.0 is moving forward under a public-private partnership model with incentives for the contractor to ensure the infrastructure is operational, with risk-sharing agreements for the financing, and requires the contractor to perform system maintenance over the 10-year agreement.

 

Under the new system, MBTA customers will be able to pay fares by tapping debit and credit cards at fare gates and fare boxes. The new system will also allow for the use of mobile phones through which customers can use apps such as Apple Pay, Android Pay, and Samsung Pay. In addition, the system includes a contactless fare card, similar to the existing CharlieCard.

 

The new system will also allow all-door boarding on the Green Line and on buses. Additionally, accessible fare gates will be five inches wider than the current gates; standard fare gates will be seven inches wider.

 

Benefits of the new system include:

  • Faster buses and Green Line trains: With shorter lines and reduced boarding times, buses and Green Line trains will have reduced “dwell times.”
  • Tap everywhere: The ability to tap and board the same way on all buses, trains, commuter rail and ferries.
  • Use of smartphone or contactless credit card: Travel without a fare card by tapping with contactless credit cards or smartphones. Even if customers tap with a smartphone, they will be able to reload using cash.
  • Pay before boarding more easily: Get a new fare card or reload at fare vending machines located in all subway stations and at some bus stops, as well as select retail locations.
  • Account management: Customers can check their balances, access travel history, reload or replace a lost card online, or by phone through the MBTA’s call center.
  • Accessibility improvements: The entire system will be designed for a broad range of accessibility needs, by user experience specialists. And the website and mobile app will be compliant with digital accessibility guidelines.

Of utmost importance to the MBTA is protecting each customer’s personally identifiable information (PII), and the necessary protections will be incorporated into the design of the new system. Mobility information will be separated from PII so an individual’s transit trip cannot be linked to that person unless the customer gives his/her permission. The privacy requirements embedded in the MBTA’s new fare collection system are above and beyond the industry standard.

 

Learn more about Automated Fare Collection 2.0.

 

 

 



#2 CCC

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Posted 21 November 2017 - 09:58 PM

I believe this will be a tap in, tap out system which allows for distance based fare collection.



#3 CNJRoss

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Posted 04 May 2019 - 06:12 AM

The Boston Globe, 5/3/19:

New MBTA fare collection system is delayed

 

 

The MBTA’s $700 million effort to convert to all-electronic fare collection is behind schedule, a blow to a high-profile project that the agency has cast as a near silver-bullet solution to many of its service problems and pricing limitations.

 

Officials declined to specify how long it will now take to implement the fare system, originally scheduled for completion in 2021, nor are they saying exactly what has gone wrong. But the delays apparently involve technology issues with the T’s vendor, as well as difficult policy decisions, such as how to conduct random fare checks that the new system will require.

 

 

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#4 CNJRoss

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Posted 07 May 2019 - 06:56 AM

Curbed Boston, 5/6/19:
 

All-electronic MBTA fare system appears indefinitely delayed

Sweeping changeover for the T was supposed to wrap by mid-2021

 

 

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s much-ballyhooed switch to an all-electronic fare collection system modeled after the one in London is unlikely to be fully implemented by spring 2021 as planned.

 

It is unclear when the MBTA might finish rolling out the new system or what has caused the delay—though the Globe’s Adam Vaccaro reports that it likely has something to do with “technology issues” as well as policy decisions.

 

The all-electronic, tap-and-go system has been touted as a way to drastically speed up service throughout the T. Among other changes, it is supposed to mean the end of paying for any T rides with cash. Instead, riders will use a fare card, a smartphone app, or a contactless card to tap and board.

 

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#5 CNJRoss

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Posted 09 December 2019 - 08:28 PM

The Boston Globe, 12/9/19

MBTA’s new fare system will be years late, and it’ll cost a lot more money

 

 

V7WRFRA2YYI6VPSWW2BT4XGZRM.jpgThe MBTA had hoped to replace its current fare collection system by 2021.Josh Reynolds for The Boston Globe

 

A sweeping project to replace the MBTA’s systemwide fare technology will take years longer to complete, and cost hundreds of millions of dollars more, the T said Monday, months after revelations that the initiative had run into indefinite delays.

 

Transit officials said the new timeline for the move toward an all-electronic payment system will stagger the rollout through 2024 and increase costs by at least $200 million.

 

“It’s going to be much more of a gradual transition than was originally envisioned,” said Laurel Paget-Seekins, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s assistant general manager for policy.

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#6 CNJRoss

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Posted 07 October 2020 - 07:55 AM

Progressive Railroading, 10/6/20

 
MBTA begins fare gate upgrade

 

 

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) last week began replacing its fare collection system by upgrading fare gates. 

 

The upgraded gates will support MBTA's new contactless, tappable CharlieTicket fare card, which will be introduced in 2021.

 

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#7 CNJRoss

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Posted 21 January 2022 - 04:55 PM

WCVB-TV, Boston MA, 1/20/22

MBTA proposes fare changes, including 5-Day FlexPass

 

 

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority announced fare change proposals that aim to improve equity by closing gaps in existing fare structures and minimize pandemic-related revenue implications.

 

If approved by the full MBTA Board in March, the fare changes would go into effect on July 1. Changes include:

 

Making Permanent 5-Day FlexPass on mTicket for Commuter Rail:  . . .

 

Reducing Price of the 1-Day LinkPass:  . . .

 

Expanding Second Transfers on Buses, Express Bus Routes, and/or Subway:  . . .

 

Proposed Changes for Reduced Fare Riders:  . . .

 

 

More here.

 

MBTA Press Release 



#8 CNJRoss

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Posted 19 February 2022 - 08:00 AM

MBTA news release

 
MBTA Hosting Multiple Public Forums for Feedback about Future Fare Media and Policy Changes as Part of Fare Transformation Initiative   

 

Posted on February 10, 2022

 

MBTA staff today proposed to the Audit and Finance Subcommittee of the MBTA Board several fare policy changes as part of the MBTA’s Fare Transformation, which aims to make paying for transit easier and more convenient for customers.  

 

“These fare media updates will provide MBTA riders with greater flexibility through the introduction of ‘tappable’ forms of payment that are compatible with future fare readers on buses and trolleys, allowing for all-door boarding and, ultimately, for faster service,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “We know some changes will take time to get used to, like the $3 card fee that allows for ‘one more trip protection’ and making sure every rider has a Charlie Card or other form of fare payment. But, if approved by the MBTA’s Board in April, we’re excited to make these important improvements to our fare system and to provide even more easy-to-use fare options to our riders.” 

 

Upon completion of the public input process in March and subject to the MBTA Board approval in April, these policy changes would go into effect with the introduction of the MBTA’s next phases of Fare Transformation.  

 

The MBTA is actively seeking public comment through multiple forums and channels on the following fare policy changes related to the upcoming fare media:

 

  • Ending “Passback”: Currently allowed through the legacy fare system, the same CharlieCard or CharlieTicket loaded with fare value can be used to allow multiple riders through a fare gate. The MBTA refers to this practice as a “passback.” In order to have “proof of payment,” introduce mobile and contactless payments, and integrate the Commuter Rail without creating pricing errors, “passbacks” will be discontinued.
  • Fare Media per Rider: Customers aged 12 and older will need to have their own fare media to ensure riders do not experience unexpected duplicate charges at fare gates and on fare readers as well as for riders to be able to provide proof of payment. 
  • $3 Fare Media Fee and Free Card Distribution: There will be a $3 card cost for most new fare media issued by the MBTA. The MBTA recognizes that the cost for fare media may be a burden for some riders and is currently developing a plan to distribute free Charlie Cards to minority and low-income communities through partner organizations. Cards will continue to be free to Reduced Fare Riders and for all riders purchasing a 1-Day Link Pass on a new Charlie Card.
  • “One More Trip” Protection on Charlie Cards: The upcoming fare media will allow riders to board with low/zero balance to improve convenience and avoid leaving riders stranded. 

 

The MBTA welcomes and invites the public to provide feedback on these proposed updates and changes at a virtual public meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 15, at 6 PM and at the official public hearing to be held virtually on Tuesday, March 22, at 6 PM. For specific details to access these virtual meetings and/or to submit direct comments regarding these proposed updates and changes, please email publicengagement@mbta.com. The public may submit comments through Thursday, March 31, 2022.  

 

 



#9 CNJRoss

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Posted 19 June 2022 - 07:18 AM

Boston Herald via MSN.com, 6/19/22

MBTA fare changes aimed at increasing ridership, equity start July 1

 

 

Five fare changes will go into effect July 1, which the MBTA says are aimed at increasing equity for low-income riders, boosting ridership that’s been slashed since the pandemic and simplifying commuters’ ability to make trip transfers throughout the system.

 

The changes include lowering the price of the one-day link pass from $12.75 to $11, expanding second transfer opportunities between the subway and buses and giving low-income riders the option to buy rides in bulk for the first time, according to the T.

 
“These changes aim to improve equity by closing gaps in existing fare structures for reduced fare riders, and to simplify fare tariff rules,” the MBTA said in a statement.

 

 

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#10 CNJRoss

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Posted 19 June 2022 - 07:24 AM

MBTA news release

 
The MBTA Reminds Customers That 2022 Fare Changes Take Effect July 1
 
June 17, 2022

 

1-Day LinkPass Lowered to $11, 7-Day LinkPass for Reduced Fare Riders Introduced

 

The MBTA is today reminding riders that several fare changes go into effect on July 1, 2022, including lowering the 1-Day LinkPass to $11, expanding second transfers, and a number of new pass products for Reduced Fare Riders. These changes aim to improve equity by closing gaps in existing fare structures for Reduced Fare Riders, and to simplify fare tariff rules. 

 

Reducing Price of the 1-Day LinkPass

 

In an effort to increase ridership by encouraging more riders to buy passes and increase equity for low-income and minority riders who often purchase this fare product, the cost of the 1-Day LinkPass will be lowered from $12.75 to $11. An $11 LinkPass pays for itself with five subway rides taken in 24 hours.

 

Expanding Second Transfers on Buses, Express Bus Routes, and/or Subway

 

Currently, the MBTA only allows one transfer between Bus and/or Subway with one recent addition – CharlieCard riders may transfer from Bus to Subway to Bus. To simplify complexities in the T’s transfer policy, the transfer process will be standardized to allow all combinations of second transfers involving Buses, Express Bus Routes, and/or Subway, including Bus-Bus-Subway, Subway-Bus-Bus, and Express Bus-Express Bus. 

 

New Pass Products for Reduced Fare Riders

 

Some riders are eligible for reduced fares, including people with disabilities and Medicare cardholders, people 65 and older, middle and high school students, and people 18 – 25 with low income. Three fare changes that aim to improve equity by closing gaps in existing fare structures for Reduced Fare Riders:

  • Introducing the 7-Day LinkPass for Reduced Fare Riders: Aiming to increase equity by increasing the benefits of purchasing fares in bulk for Reduced Fare Riders, a 7-Day LinkPass for Reduced Fare riders will be available for $10, which breaks even after nine subway rides. This product is designed to meet the needs of individuals who might not have enough cash on-hand to afford a monthly pass, but who qualify for Reduced Fare programs.
  • Introducing Monthly Passes for Reduced Fare Riders on Commuter Rail, Ferry, and Express Bus: In order to increase equity by closing gaps in the T’s offering of pass products for Reduced Fare Riders, monthly passes on Commuter Rail, Ferry, and Express Bus will be made available. This update offers passes for Reduced Fare Riders at approximately 50% of the full fare pass prices. 
  • Expanding Availability of the LinkPass for Reduced Fare Riders on Commuter Rail Zone 1A and Inner Harbor Ferry: Currently, a LinkPass for Reduced Fare Riders is only available on CharlieCard fare media instead of a printed “flash pass” CharlieTicket that Commuter Rail conductors and ferry staff can see to visually validate a fare. To increase access and equitable pricing on Reduced Fare passes, the LinkPass for Reduced Fare Riders will be available on a CharlieTicket and valid for Commuter Rail travel in Zone 1A and on the Charlestown Ferry. 

 

New fare products will not be available in a few select locations: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC), Fenway Park, Lynn Busway, Museum of Fine Arts, Woburn Anderson, and Worcester Union Station. These products will be available at nearby stations. 

 

 






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