Charlie Card: Frequently Asked Questions

Charlie Card and Farebox FAQ

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Community Since 1978!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are the fares changing?

A: No, the fares will remain the same as they are now. The way the fares are paid is the only thing changing.

Q: When will the new fareboxes be on the buses?

A: The fareboxes will be installed during the last weekend in February and ready to use on February 27, 2012.

Q: What will the farebox accept for fares?

A: The fareboxes will accept $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills. It will also accept nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollar coins. The farebox will also accept smart cards which will be sold at the MART offices in Fitchburg and Gardner.

Q: Do the fareboxes give change?

A: No, exact fare should be used. However, the fareboxes will issue magnetic “overpayment” tickets that can be used for future rides only. These tickets will NOT be redeemable for cash. A minimum overpayment of 50 cents is required for ticket issue. For example: If a customer has a fare of 50 cents and puts a dollar in the farebox, the farebox will dispense an overpayment ticket. If the same customer pays a fare of 75 cents (Intercity Route) and puts in a dollar – an overpayment ticket will not be issued. (It would be better to put in a quarter then a dollar so that a ticket can be issued.)

Q: What kind of fare cards will I be able to buy at the MART offices?

A: MART will be using the Charlie Card^TM as a smart card fare media. These cards can be loaded with a bus pass (monthly or 14 consecutive day) – or you can add stored value. Stored value cards can be used to deduct the fare directly. The balance is displayed on the farebox screen. Additional value can be added to the card by feeding cash into the farebox or at a Sales Outlet.

Q: Is there anything else new?

A: MART is instituting a new fare product with the fareboxes – a new two week (14 consecutive days) pass. This pass is half the price and has no calendar restrictions.

Q: When and Where can I purchase my MART Charlie Card^TM?

A: Pass products and stored value can be purchased starting on February 27, 2012. They can be purchased at the MART Offices located at 1427R Water St (Lobby) and 100 Main Street (Ticket Agency) in Fitchburg and at 555 Main Street in Gardner.

Q: Can I still use my February paper pass on the last 3 days of February?

A: Yes, the monthly pass will change to the Charlie Card^TM with the March Monthly pass. A 14-day pass can be purchased any time. There is an exception to this rule — reduced passes for students only will still be issued on paper thru the end of the school year. Smart-cards for students will be issued beginning in July 2012. Reduced passes for the elderly and disabled will be issued on your state-wide TAP Charlie Card^TM starting in March.

Q: Can I still use my MART tickets?

A: These tickets will still be accepted by the drivers after the new fareboxes are introduced. Please DO NOT put the ticket into the farebox. MART will no longer distribute these tickets. Stored value can be placed on the fare card instead. Cash will always be accepted.

Q: Will MART exchange my old tickets for a new fare card?

A: No, but these tickets will still be accepted. Once you’ve used up your old tickets, you can then purchase a Charlie Card^TM.

Q: Will MART replace my lost, stolen, or damaged fare card?

A: No, MART will not be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged cards. However, you can register your Charlie Card^TM on the MBTA’s website.This allows a consumer to obtain a replacement card within the confines of MBTA’s regulations.

Q: What else can I do over the web with my Charlie Card^TM?

A: Stored value can be reloaded on the MBTA website (as well as the farebox or MART ticket agency). However a MART bus pass (two-week or monthly) CANNOT be renewed on the MBTA website. (The monthly pass renewal on the MBTA website is only for MBTA products only.) The ability to renew a MART monthly pass online is not ready yet.

Q: Can I use the MART Charlie Card^TM on the MBTA system in Boston?

A: Yes, but only if you have stored value on the card – or if you load a MBTA pass product thru the MBTA website or at a MBTA reseller or ticket vending machine. MART’s version of the Charlie Card^TM allows access for three fare types – stored value (cash), MBTA pass product, and a MART pass product.

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