Can I Pay Cash on Bus in Boston?
Yes, you can pay cash on the bus in Boston. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) allows passengers to pay with cash when boarding the bus. However, it is important to note that exact change is required as bus drivers do not carry change. The fare for a one-way ride on the bus is $1.70 with a CharlieCard or $2.00 with cash. Passengers can also purchase a CharlieTicket at fare vending machines located at subway stations.
FAQs About Paying Cash on the Bus in Boston
1. Can I use a credit or debit card to pay for my bus fare?
Yes, you can use a credit or debit card to purchase a CharlieTicket at MBTA fare vending machines.
2. Is there a discount for seniors or people with disabilities?
Yes, eligible passengers can receive discounted fares with a Senior CharlieCard or a Transportation Access Pass (TAP) card.
3. What happens if I don’t have exact change?
If you do not have exact change, the bus driver will not be able to provide you with change. It is recommended to have the correct fare ready before boarding the bus.
4. Can I use a mobile payment app to pay for my bus fare?
Yes, passengers can use mobile payment apps such as Apple Pay or Google Pay to purchase a CharlieTicket at MBTA fare vending machines.
5. Are transfers included in the bus fare?
Yes, passengers who pay with a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket can receive a free transfer to another bus or subway within a 2-hour period. Passengers paying with cash will need to pay the full fare for each ride.
6. Are there any discounts for students?
Yes, students with a valid student ID can receive discounted fares with a Student CharlieCard.
7. What if I need to take multiple buses to reach my destination?
Passengers can transfer between buses using a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket within a 2-hour period. There are no additional charges for transfers within this time frame.
8. Can I pay for multiple rides at once?
Passengers have the option to load stored value onto a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket, allowing them to pay for multiple rides in advance.
9. What if I lose my CharlieCard or CharlieTicket?
If you lose your CharlieCard or CharlieTicket, you can report it to the MBTA and have the remaining value transferred to a new card.
10. Is there a maximum amount of cash that can be used to purchase a CharlieTicket?
There is no maximum amount of cash that can be used to purchase a CharlieTicket, but it is recommended to have the correct fare ready when boarding the bus.
11. Are there any restrictions on using cash to pay for bus fare at certain times of the day?
No, cash payment is accepted at all times when boarding the bus. There are no restrictions on using cash as a form of payment.
12. Can I pay for my bus fare with a personal check?
No, personal checks are not accepted as a form of payment for bus fare. Cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment apps are the accepted forms of payment.
