Boston public transportation

Question

We will be in Boston for 5 days and plan to use public transit, buying a 7-day pass. But I'm unclear about the differences between a CharlieCard, CharlieTicket, and "Commuter Rail Zone 1A Pass on CharlieTicket." The MTBA site shows that the commuter rail zone pass on CharlieTicket gets us access to the Charlestown Ferry... but what if we have a CharlieCard instead?

Also, do you purchase your card/ticket at the station? Or can you purchase ahead of time? I know some cities allow you to purchase via an app, and others you have to purchase at a local store, like at Walgreens (NOLA).

Answer

Boston’s public transportation system (MBTA) has a few options for cards and tickets that can sometimes be confusing. Here's a breakdown of the different options and how they work, including the CharlieCard, CharlieTicket, and the Commuter Rail Zone 1A pass.

1. CharlieCard:

What it is: The CharlieCard is a reloadable, plastic smart card that you can load with money to pay for subway, bus, and commuter rail rides.
How it works: You can load the CharlieCard with stored value or purchase a 7-day unlimited pass, which will give you unlimited rides on the subway and bus. However, it does not automatically include commuter rail services unless you add money to it specifically for commuter rail tickets.
Ferry Access: The CharlieCard provides access to the Charlestown Ferry if you have added enough value to your card or if it is linked to a pass that includes ferry service.

2. CharlieTicket:

What it is: The CharlieTicket is a paper ticket that can be purchased for single rides or as part of a 7-day pass.
How it works: The CharlieTicket is good for subway, bus, and certain commuter rail services. You can buy a CharlieTicket at ticket vending machines at subway stations. You can load it with stored value or purchase specific tickets for commuter rail zones or a 7-day pass.
Commuter Rail Zone 1A Pass on CharlieTicket: This pass gives you unlimited rides on the commuter rail for Zone 1A, which includes travel into Boston and access to the Charlestown Ferry. It’s a great option if you plan to use the commuter rail frequently.

3. Commuter Rail Zone 1A Pass on CharlieTicket:

What it is: This is a specific pass you can purchase on a CharlieTicket for unlimited travel within Commuter Rail Zone 1A, which includes the Boston area and nearby towns like Cambridge, Somerville, and Charlestown.
Charlestown Ferry: The Zone 1A pass includes access to the Charlestown Ferry, which is part of the MBTA’s transportation network.

4. Purchasing Tickets and Cards:

Station Purchase: Yes, you can purchase CharlieCards, CharlieTickets, and the Commuter Rail Zone 1A pass at MBTA stations, either at ticket vending machines or in some cases from customer service agents.
Buying Ahead of Time: You can also purchase CharlieCards ahead of time from the MBTA website, and have them mailed to you, or buy them in advance at select retailers like CVS or Walgreens, especially if you're arriving in Boston from out of town.
Mobile App: While the MBTA does have a mobile app (MBTA mTicket) for purchasing commuter rail tickets, it does not yet allow you to purchase CharlieCards or CharlieTickets via the app. You would still need to either buy them at a station or through a participating retailer.

5. Summary:

If you want unlimited access to subway and bus services: Go for a CharlieCard with a 7-day pass, or a CharlieTicket with a 7-day pass.
If you plan to use the commuter rail or need ferry access: Get the Commuter Rail Zone 1A Pass, which can be purchased on a CharlieTicket. You can also add this pass to a CharlieCard if you load enough value onto the card.
Where to buy: You can purchase the cards and tickets either at MBTA stations, participating retailers, or online ahead of time.

Hopefully, this helps clear up the differences between these options! Enjoy your time in Boston, and safe travels!