Massachusetts Automated Fare Collection System, Boston, Massachusetts

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To provide a seamless commute experience with a modernized contactless payment system, Cubic Transportation Systems and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) partnered to implement an Automated Fare Collection (AFC) system for transit riders and commuters. The new AFC system replaced the MBTA’s current CharlieTicket/CharlieCard fare collections system to provide for an integrated, reliable, and convenient fare payment and collection system, enabling transit riders to pay fares by tapping contactless bank cards, mobile phones, and fare cards across the entire transportation network. Some additional benefits include: More payment options ranging from mobile payments, contactless debit or credit cards, and agency-issued fare media; Zone and distance-based fares, time of day fares, and fare capping; Shorter wait times for bus boarding; and Unified fare transfers across all MBTA modes of transportation. The program will be addressed in five phases, with each phase starting at the beginning of each calendar year, completing in 2024. Phase 1 - Addressing key issues with previous fare collection system Phase 2 - Making it easier for consumers to obtain a CharlieCard Phase 3 - Introducing and implementing new AFC and bus and train boarding strategies Phase 4 - Implementing faster trip times, buses, and Green Line trains due to AFC Phase 5 - Achieving uniform AFC method between all MBTA modes of transportation With the project complete, cash will be removed from on-board buses, Green Line trains, and commuter rail, and will enable integrations with other transit services (like parking, paratransit, bike share, ride share, and Regional Transit Authorities). The new system will have fully reconciled, auditable, and accurate revenue deposits and reports, and provide improved uptime and performance under performance-based contracts.

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