BOSTON (WHDH) - The MBTA Fiscal Control Board voted unanimously on Monday to approve a new, modernized fare collection system.
The MBTA will begin an overhaul of its fare collection system that will eventually phase out the present-day fare cards and allow riders to board trains, trolleys and buses with a tap of a credit card or smartphone.
The department’s control board voted to approve a 13-year, $723 million contract with Cubic Corp. to design and operate the new system, which officials hope to fully implement by the spring of 2020.
MBTA Chief Technology officer David Block-Schacter explained that even though the system will be cash-free, customers who don’t have a credit card or smartphone will still be able to purchase tickets.
Officials say they expect the improved system will speed up trains by as much as 10 percent, making the boarding process faster and more efficient.
The new system won’t go into effect until 2020.
Governor Charlie Baker has issued a statement:
“The administration appreciates the MBTA’s efforts to create more flexibility for customers through technology updates that make it more convenient to use our public transportation system.”
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