Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The MBTA will be testing it's new fare gates at South Station for the Commuter Rail beginning on Dec. 15, the same system previously installed at North Station.
When the gates officially launch, passengers will need to tap their CharlieTicket or scan their MTicket QR code to enter all South Station CR platforms. CharlieCards will not be accepted on the fare gates until the new Charlie payment system expands to all CR lines in 2026.
The MBTA says the change will have little impact on commuters and are designed to deliver safer and more reliable rail service.
“It’s to help prevent people from just getting on the train and not paying their fare,” one passenger said.
Passengers will also need an exit ticket provided by a conductor or their MTicket QR code to exit at South Station when the change becomes official.
“That might be a problem for some people, that’ll definitely be some type of issue for us,” and MBTA employee said.
It will be a bit of an adjustment for some MBTA commuters.
“Oh no technology,” one MBTA rider sarcastically said.
Fairmount Line passengers who use a CharlieCard to pay their fare will now need to first validate their fare on a fare machine before entering. Passengers will also need to get an exit ticket from a conductor to exit at South Station as well.
To find out more about head to the MBTA’s website.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Chris Fama (CFamaWBZ) reports.