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How does MBTA work in Boston?

Our Services and Standard Fares Subway one-way: $2.40 with cash, CharlieCard, or CharlieTicket. The MBTA operates 171 bus routes and 4 rapid transit routes in the Greater Boston area, with connections to the subway and Commuter Rail. Local bus one-way: $1.70 with cash, CharlieCard, or CharlieTicket.



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Most machines accept cash, major credit/debit cards, and EBT cards. Some machines only accept credit/debit/EBT cards and are marked to indicate that they don't accept cash. At fare vending machines, you can add cash value or 1-day, 7-day, or monthly passes to a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket.

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Children age 11 and under ride the MBTA for free. Groups including 10 or more children (regardless of the number of chaperones), must register their travel using the field trip form. People who are legally blind, as well as an accompanying guide, ride the MBTA for free with a Blind Access CharlieCard.

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You can pay your fare in cash onboard all MBTA buses. You can also add up to $20 in cash value to a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket at onboard fare boxes.

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The T refers to the subway system that primarily serves the urban areas of Boston with multiple lines and underground stations. The commuter rail, on the other hand, is a regional rail system that connects the suburbs and outlying areas to the city, providing transportation for longer distances.

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In the late 19th century, as traffic grew and the rail yards became ever more unwieldy, the many small terminals that served the lines extending north and south of the city were consolidated into two great terminals, at North and South Stations. North Station was completed in 1893. South Station followed in 1900.

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Credit and debit cards are accepted. You can purchase one-way, round trip, and monthly Commuter Rail passes for all zones at ticket booths at: North Station.

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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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Boston's Subway - The T Except for walking, the T is the cheapest and easiest way to get around. Find a subway map, how to get the cheapest fares, and everything else you need to know - and be sure to check out the affordable Visitors Weekly Pass,which gives you a great deal, depending on how much you plan to use it.

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To pay for the T in Boston, you have several options. At subway stations, you can purchase tickets or add value to a reusable CharlieCard at ticket machines.

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Customers schedule their trips on The RIDE one to five days in advance and are given a pick-up window for their ride's arrival. Travel times are comparable to the same trip taken on fixed-route transit (bus, subway, or trolley) plus an additional 20 minutes.

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You can pay with cash or credit card, and there may be an additional $3 fee if you board the train at a station where there's a fare vending machine or a ticket window. Please note that this is not always available, and conductors may check your ticket before you board.

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Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter rail and ferry customers can purchase fares using Apple Pay on the MBTA mTicket app. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter rail and ferry customers can purchase fares using Apple Pay on the MBTA mTicket app.

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Ideas for food to bring on 2-day train ride?
  • Packs of tuna.
  • Crackers, bagel, wrap, or some other kind of carb to eat with the tuna.
  • Vegetables such as celery sticks or carrots.
  • Fresh fruit such as bananas, oranges, apples.
  • Dried fruit, nuts, and/or homemade trail mix.


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Buy a ticket anywhere, anytime - in seconds. The Official MBTA mTicket App is like a ticket office in your pocket. Your smartphone is your ticket!

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If you don't have a CharlieCard, you can also pay your fare with: CharlieTicket, a tappable ticket that can be loaded with subway, bus, Commuter Rail, and ferry tickets or passes. an Android and iPhone app for Commuter Rail and ferry tickets or passes.

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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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Massport Shuttle is always free, and the Silver Line is free from Logan Airport. You'll need to buy a ticket or pass to make a connection to the bus, train, or ferry.

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You can pay with cash or credit card, and there may be an additional $3 fee if you board the train at a station where there's a fare vending machine or a ticket window. Please note that this is not always available, and conductors may check your ticket before you board.

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