Can you pay with cash on Boston buses?

First, choose how you'll pay your fare You can also pay in cash or add cash value to a CharlieCard at onboard fare boxes, or use your EBT card to load value or passes onto a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket at fare vending machines, the CharlieCard Store, or MBTA retail sales locations that accept EBT cards.



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The MBTA's Fare Transformation will make paying for transit easier and more convenient. Upon completion, you'll be able to: Tap and board at any door with a fare card, smartphone, or contactless credit card. Reload using cash or credit card at vending machines at all stations and some bus stops.

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You can pay your fare in cash onboard all MBTA buses.

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Turns out, there's a simple answer: It's illegal. Back in 1978, when credit cards were in their infancy, the state's powers that be approved the Discrimination Against Cash Buyers amendment, requiring all retail establishments in Massachusetts to accept cash.

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Purchasing Tickets Onboard Passengers who do so are not guaranteed a seat and may be instructed to get off the train at the next station stop. In those limited circumstances when you are permitted to purchase your tickets onboard, you may pay with cash.

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Lack of Funding: The MBTA relies heavily on state funding to operate, but funding has been inconsistent over the years. This has made it difficult for the MBTA to keep up with the maintenance and upgrades needed to keep the system running smoothly. Labor Costs: The cost of labor is a significant expense for the MBTA.

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The same card works on city buses. You probably won't use the Express buses. These are designed for commuters who live in the outer boroughs. The Metrocard will work on Limited and Select buses.

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The Token Transit app allows CARTA customers to purchase bus passes with their smartphones, which can then be used as electronic tickets to board buses. Customers will need to download the Token Transit App to use the mobile pay option.

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At any point during your Commuter Rail trip, including before you board or after you get off the train, an MBTA or Keolis staff member may ask you to show your ticket. In addition to ongoing checks at North, South, and Back Bay stations, we also perform random ticket checks at various Commuter Rail stations.

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Read on for some of the top options to get around Boston.
  1. Hop On and Off with a Trolley Tour. Your best bet to getting around Boston with ease is to get a seat aboard the Old Town Trolley Tour. ...
  2. Ride like a Local on Public Transportation. ...
  3. Cycle around by renting a Bike. ...
  4. Call a Taxi or Use a Rideshare App.


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How to add a boarding pass, ticket, or other pass to Apple Wallet on your iPhone
  1. Open the app, email, notification, or other communication that contains your boarding pass, ticket, or other pass.
  2. Tap Add to Apple Wallet.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen.
  4. If necessary, tap Add in the upper right corner.


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