Easiest and cheapest way to use public transit in Boston!

Boston has a well-connected public transportation system known as the MBTA (“The T”). Here’s how you can use it and what to expect in terms of costs:

1. Types of Public Transportation:

• Subway (The T): The fastest way to get around the city, with four main lines: Red, Orange, Blue, and Green. Each line serves different parts of the city.
• Buses: Extensive routes cover areas the subway doesn’t reach.
• Commuter Rail: For trips to nearby suburbs or cities.
• Ferry: Serves specific locations around Boston Harbor.

2. Fares:

• CharlieCard (Recommended): This is a reusable smart card that gives you a discount on fares. You can get one at major T stations and add the money to the card. Simply tap it on the fare gates to activate it. You can reload the card with more money at vending machines when needed.
  • Subway Fare with CharlieCard: $2.40 per ride.
  • Bus Fare with CharlieCard: $1.70 per ride.
• CharlieTicket: A paper ticket you can buy at vending machines in stations.
  • Subway Fare with CharlieTicket: $2.90 per ride.
  • Bus Fare with CharlieTicket: $2.00 per ride.
• Day or Week Passes:
  • 1-Day Pass: $11.00 (unlimited subway and bus rides).
  • 7-Day Pass: $22.50 (unlimited subway and bus rides).

3. How to Use It:

• Subway (The T):
  1. Enter the station, find the vending machine, and either reload your CharlieCard or buy a CharlieTicket.
  2. Tap the CharlieCard or insert your ticket at the gates to access the platform.
  3. Trains run frequently, and you can check schedules on the MBTA website or use apps like Google Maps for real-time info.
• Buses:
  1. Pay by tapping your CharlieCard or inserting cash into the fare box at the front.
  2. Buses accept coins, but no change is given, so it’s better to use a CharlieCard.
• Commuter Rail and Ferries:
  1. Fares vary by distance traveled, and you can use a CharlieTicket or buy tickets through the “mTicket” app.

4. Where to Get a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket:

• Major T stations like Downtown Crossing, Back Bay, and Park Street.
• Local convenience stores also sometimes carry CharlieCards.

5. Useful Apps:

• MBTA mTicket (for commuter rail and ferry tickets).
• Transit App or Google Maps (for real-time directions and schedules).
• MBTA Tracker (for subway and bus arrival times).