The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is looking to expand its smart-card fare-collection system to include use on commuter trains, ferries, and in parking facilities. The ultimate goal is to make the system, known as CharlieCard, a “passport” to the entire MBTA coverage area.

MBTA travelers would be able to pay for parking, hop a rail train, and ride the subway or bus, all with a single smart card. The CharlieCard program, which was launched a year ago, is currently used by 83 percent of all bus riders and 88 percent of all MBTA subway riders. To date, over 2.5 million smart cards have been distributed.
The expanded CharlieCard services will first be tested on a single commuter line, with a full rollout to follow.