Tap to Ride with Reduced Fares

To link your benefits, you will need a Charlie account. If you don’t have an account, you can register on the Charlie website or the digital assistant will help you create one.

Once you log into your Charlie account, the new Charlie system will allow you to register your contactless cards, phone or watch.

The digital assistant will prompt you to enter your birthdate and reduced fare card number to confirm your benefits. 

Most reduced fare CharlieCard numbers are located at the bottom left, as shown in the example below.

Note: Information provided to the Charlie digital assistant is secure. This information is only used to verify benefits.

You can select a contactless debit or credit card that's already on file, add a new physical card, or add a card from your mobile wallet.

You can only link your benefits to one contactless credit/debit card, phone, or watch at a time.

If you are a new reduced fares applicant, you will have to wait 2-3 business days after your application is approved before linking your reduced benefits to contactless payment methods. 

Note: Your reduced fare CharlieCard will remain active. You should continue to use it to pay your fare on modes where the new Charlie system is not available, such as Commuter Rail and ferry.

Once you're ready, you'll be able to tap your contactless card, phone, watch, or your existing reduced fare CharlieCard to pay your fare.

Be sure to use same payment method each time you travel so you can be charged correctly.