The iconic CharlieCard used by MBTA riders has an interesting story behind its name. The concept of the CharlieCard was launched in 2004 as a replacement for MBTA tokens and was named after a fictional character from a protest song called “The M.T.A. Song” by The Kingston Trio. The song tells the story of Charlie, a man who gets trapped underground on the M.T.A. because he doesn’t have an extra nickel to pay the conductor. The song served as a protest against fare increases in the late 1940s.
Starting August 1, MBTA riders will have the option to use contactless payment methods like debit or credit cards, mobile devices, or smartwatches instead of the traditional CharlieCard. The MBTA assures that the Charlie brand will remain despite the new payment option to avoid confusion among riders familiar with the fare system. Riders will still be able to purchase CharlieCards at fare stations and use them for their daily commute.
The introduction of contactless payment and the potential future of the Charlie brand signal changes in the MBTA’s fare system and services. As Boston continues to improve its public transportation system with a newly opened service center and a live tracking app in development, the legacy of Charlie and the iconic protest song that inspired its name will remain an integral part of Boston’s transit history.
Source
Photo credit www.boston.com