Cambridge Adds CharlieCard Distribution Sites

MBTA riders can now pick up a free no-balance CharlieCard at several convenient locations in Cambridge. As part of efforts to increase availability of CharlieCards, the City of Cambridge and MBTA made cards available at several municipal buildings. The City added 11 new distribution sites in fall 2021, bringing the total to 14.

Free, no-balance CharlieCards are available to anyone who requests one at City Hall, Parking Services, the Community Development Department, Veteran’s Services, Department of Public Works (DPW), the Department of Public Health (office temporarily closed), the Multi-Service Center, and seven Cambridge Public Library branches. For a complete list, click here.

“Obtaining a CharlieCard from major transit hubs like Downtown Crossing can be cumbersome for some riders, especially those who use buses more than the subway,” said Assistant City Manager of Community Development, Iram Farooq. “To encourage use of public transit, we need to meet people where they are. By making these reusable cards more accessible, we are adding convenience for our riders and helping to reduce waste.”

Unlike CharlieTickets, CharlieCards are reusable plastic cards that can be routinely loaded with stored cash value or one-day, seven-day, or monthly passes. This program aims to increase access to CharlieCards, particularly in communities with a high reliance on buses.

Organizations and communities seeking to partner in this effort should contact MBTA Chief Customer Officer Danny Levy at DLevy@MBTA.com.

For more information on CharlieCards, visit mbta.com/CharlieCard or connect with the T on Twitter @MBTA, Facebook.com/TheMBTA, or Instagram @theMBTA.