Good News from the MBTA, Nice for a Change.

Last week the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) announced that it would allow its passengers to add value and passes to their electronic fare system via the internet. This was originally advertised when the CharlieCard (a MIFARE-based, contact-less, smart card fare system) was originally introduced to all MBTA services (sans Commuter Rail, Ferry Boat, and The Ride) in 2006.

I must admit that I was very skeptical of this online system, but I figured I would give it a try. You can access the service by pointing your browser here: https://charliecard.mbta.com/CharlieCardWebProgram/pages/loginIV.jsf

Once here, you can create an account rather simply by just registering your card (each CharlieCard has a serial number printed in the lower left hand side, on the front of the card) and entering your contact information. If you wish you can manage all your family's CharlieCards using one account, which is easy since you must add a nickname to each card you register. The main advantage, other than adding value, is that you can have the stored value transferred to a new card if your old one is damaged, lost, or stolen. That by itself may be enough to entice those who have a habit of frequently misplacing their belongings (like ME!).

Edit: For all you web 2.0 fans, the MBTA is now available on the Google Maps website! Just go to http://maps.google.com and under "Get Directions" choose "By Public Transit".

About Aaron

Computer Instructor for J. Ryan Solutions, a company which manages computer labs in housing developments throughout the city of Boston, Cambridge, and in the Washington, DC area.