Ways to Verify the Remaining Funds on a Charlie Card
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority issues reusable plastic Charlie Cards that can be used to pay fares on its bus and rail services. Those who ride often may find these cards help them save both time and money. A card comes with an initial stored value when first obtained. Once that amount is used up, the cardholder can top it up either via a computer or at a fare vending machine. Checking the current balance is only possible at one of these machines.
By Cameron Mitchell3 steps
Get around Boston with a Charlie Card.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority provides reusable plastic fare cards known as Charlie Cards for paying on its buses and trains. People who ride frequently can cut down on both expenses and hassle by using them. When a card is first bought, it comes preloaded with a starting balance. After the stored funds are drawn down, the rider has the option to reload the card through a computer or at a fare vending machine. To find out how much value remains on a Charlie Card, the sole method is to go to one of these machines.
Step 1
Go to a subway, train or commuter rail station that has a full-service Fare Vending Machine. More than 500 such machines are located in stations across the greater Boston area.
Step 2
Tap the Charlie Card against the target on the machine's exterior, on the right-hand side, so that the machine can read the card's information.
Step 3
Select the touch-screen button that tells the machine you want to check your balance. Once you do, the amount remaining on the Charlie Card is displayed on the screen.
