Boston and the MTA

[NKN]

Hi. We are heading to the Boston Custom House on Dec. 18th, using one of our II ACs.

Questions regarding the MTA:

1. Is it too cumbersome for one couple to be using just ONE Charlie Card between them? The odds of our traveling separately are slim. I found a card in my old stuff and it is still loadable ( I tried). I'd rather not tie up money on a second card.

2. On the day I load the current card with more money, I then have to update the actual card by "swiping the card" somewhere after 5AM on the following day. Has anyone ever done that? Do you swipe it at one of the vending machines outside the turnstiles?

I know......I'm a worry wart. And I hate using new vending machines.

Looking forward to our trip. Mostly just window shopping and looking at all the festive lighting. Will hit a museum or two and maybe Cambridge. And an Italian meal in the North End. And, the shopping mall at Copley Plaza.

Thanks.
NKN

 

[Beaglemom3]

Are you getting a weekly pass ? If so, you cannot share that.

Charlie Card or Charlie Ticket ?



Here's a link to the MBTA FAQs:

http://www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/charlie/?id=5602

 

[NKN]

An actual plastic Charlie Card is what I have from our prior trip.

 

[Beaglemom3]

An actual plastic Charlie Card is what I have from our prior trip.

Here are the fares options. Since I live here, I have my own and my DF has his. We've never shared, so I'm not sure. Maybe another Tugger does or you may want to ask the MBTA.

$19/week for one person is a good deal by itself. You cannot share a 7 day pass as I understand it.

http://www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/subway/

Late edit: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...on_subway_pass_HELP-Boston_Massachusetts.html


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[Beaglemom3]

I 'm not sure if you're wondering if you can transfer your remaining value onto a 7 day pass ?


http://www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/charlie/



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[falmouth3]

You can share a Charlie Card. Tap once, the first person goes through the turnstile. Tap again and the next person goes through. You have to wait until the doors close before you tap again - or use a different turnstile. DH and I did this before we were able to get a second Charlie Card. Now we each have our own.

Depending on how often you plan to travel by T, the weekly pass, mentioned by Beags is a really good deal. I think it's $2.10 per person, per trip, otherwise.

The Charlie Card is also good for bus travel, although I've only used it for a bus/subway combination once. There is a small incremental charge if you change mode of transportation within a limited amount of time.

Buses are confusing to me so I walk once I get into the city by subway.

 

[Beaglemom3]

You can share a Charlie Card. Tap once, the first person goes through the turnstile. Tap again and the next person goes through. You have to wait until the doors close before you tap again - or use a different turnstile. DH and I did this before we were able to get a second Charlie Card. Now we each have our own.

Depending on how often you plan to travel by T, the weekly pass, mentioned by Beags is a really good deal. I think it's $2.10 per person, per trip, otherwise.

The Charlie Card is also good for bus travel, although I've only used it for a bus/subway combination once. There is a small incremental charge if you change mode of transportation within a limited amount of time.

Buses are confusing to me so I walk once I get into the city by subway.

Thanks, Falmouth. I wondered about that.

Just an FYI: We could not do that in London or Miami as their system requires an exit swipe. The MBTA does not.

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