The CharlieCard update that never was.

Some time ago I wrote about the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) allowing people to purchase passes online. The article can be found here. In the article I wrote that you had to tap your card at a fare vending machine after 5am the following day in order to complete the transaction and use the pass. Until recently I thought that this also included MBTA Buses... unfortunately this is not the case. As it turns out, the MBTA Buses (including the fare boxes on the Green-line trains) are not connected to the internet and as such, cannot be updated.

I emailed the Carlie Card Customer Service email to find out what people can do to avoid being caught with an unactivated Carlie Card on the 1st of the month. The follow is a transcript of the emails sent.

"Hello,
I'm using the MyCharlie Account Center to add Passes to my CharlieCard. My trip in the mornings begins with a bus. My question is, if I purchase a Link Pass before the start of a new month will it update and be recorded on the card's chip the next time I'm at the Subway Station's farebox for use the next month? As an example, I purchase a Link Pass on October 28 for November, on October 29th when I tap my card at the subway station will it be synced and ready for November 1st? Also, with recurring passes, when they are purchased, when are they synced to the card's chip?

Thank you very much for your time on this question. I appreciate it.

Aaron"

"Hi Aaron when you purchase a monthly pass it starts the first of that month and ends the last day October monthly pass starts October 1-31. Also if you add a pass online after the 15th of the month it will be for the following month so yes if you add a pass on October 28 it is good on November 1.
Thank You,
Marie
Charlie Card Customer Service"

It seems, from the email, that if you purchase online and tap your Charlie Card at an online fare box (at a MBTA Train Station) after the 15th and before the 1st of the new month, you'll have uninterrupted service.

Tapping your card at either of these locations will update your card.

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.