The MBTA's long-promised contactless payment system is coming on Aug. 1, and T officials on Monday touted the new system's potential to reduce the length of…
Starting in August, riders will be able to use a contactless credit or debit card, phone with a mobile wallet or watch on new fare readers to board buses, Green Line trolleys, Mattapan Line trolleys and at all gated subway stationsThe MBTA's long-promised contactless payment system is coming on Aug. 1, and T officials on Monday touted the new system's potential to reduce the length of station stops and make it easier for passengers to pay their fares.
Implementing the first phase of the new fare system will cost the T about $130 million, Cook said. The T will only pay $80 million when it is turned on in August, and will pay the remainder over the time of the contract with vendor Cubic. Rider fares won't increase -- they're staying at $1.70 for the bus and $2.40 for the subway and light rail. But the new system will make it easier for the MBTA to consider new payment policies, like fare capping, chief of policy and strategic planning Lynsey Heffernan said.
"Modernizing our fare collection system absolutely increases the policy flexibility that we have to make other choices about fare products and programs. Fare capping is a popular program. We've heard a lot about New York City," Heffernan said."I would say the modernization of all of our fare technology, particularly on our vehicles, was a really important piece of ultimately trying to make a decision on whether fare capping is the right choice for the MBTA.
All-door boarding would speed up bus and trolley stops, and therefore make rides shorter, as not every passenger streaming onto the vehicles would have to file through just the front door.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
MBTA solicits menu of revenue-raising ideasCongestion pricing, increased highway tolls and higher vehicle excise taxes are among the possible ways the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization…
Read more »
MBTA installing Naloxone cabinets at Red Line stopsThe overdose-reversal drug naloxone will be available to the public at five stations along the MBTA's Red Line in the coming weeks as the agency is one of six…
Read more »
3 people shot in Brockton MBTA commuter lot, police sayA shooting in an MBTA Commuter Rail parking lot in Brockton, Massachusetts, sent three people to the hospital early Wednesday, police said.
Read more »
MBTA touts improvements as Red Line delays frustrate ridersThe MBTA rolled out improvements to Worcester's Union Station and announced that a new payment system will launch next month
Read more »
MBTA celebrates long-term labor stability after striking final union agreementMBTA officials say the agency will enjoy the 'longest period of labor stability since the 1980s' now that collective bargaining agreements are in place with…
Read more »
Every cancelled and delayed flight from Manchester Airport on Monday, June 24The latest updates on delayed and cancelled flights at Manchester Airport following a major power cut over the weekend
Read more »