Transportation Access Pass (TAP) CharlieCard
People with disabilities and Medicare cardholders are eligible for reduced MBTA fares with a Transportation Access Pass (TAP) CharlieCard.
TAP CharlieCards can be loaded with:
- Cash value for roughly 50% reduced one-way fares
- $10 7-Day LinkPasses
- $30 monthly LinkPasses
Your card can also be used to purchase reduced monthly passes for Commuter Rail, ferry, and Express Bus.
Note: TAP cards are not valid for discounts on The RIDE. To get reduced fares on The RIDE, you can apply for an income-eligible reduced fare card.
Apply Online
Eligible riders can now apply for a new, renewal, or replacement TAP CharlieCard online.
You can also replace a lost, stolen, or expired TAP CharlieCard by contacting Customer Support at 617-222-3200.
Need help applying for a TAP CharlieCard?
For one-on-one assistance, you can:
- Schedule an appointment at the Charlie Service Center
- Visit the Mobility Center
- Call customer support at 617-222-3200
TAP Eligibility
Whether you’re applying online, by mail, or in person, you’ll need to show documentation of disability. You have three options:
Option 1: Show proof of disability. You can use any one of the following.
| Documentation of Disability | Duration of Eligibility (in years) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Documentation of Disability | Disability placard from the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) | Duration of Eligibility (in years) | Expires on document expiration date |
| Documentation of Disability | Current non-MBTA reduced fare card with an expiration date | Duration of Eligibility (in years) | Expires on document expiration date |
| Documentation of Disability | Signed letter from your Travel Trainer on MBTA letterhead | Duration of Eligibility (in years) | 5 years from the letter issue date |
| Documentation of Disability | Medicare, One Care, or Tufts Health Unify Card | Duration of Eligibility (in years) | 5 |
| Documentation of Disability | Veteran benefits summary letter on VA letterhead specifying a disability rating of 70% or greater | Duration of Eligibility (in years) | 5 |
| Documentation of Disability | Department of Mental Health (DMH) signed verification letter | Duration of Eligibility (in years) | 5 |
| Documentation of Disability | Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) signed verification letter | Duration of Eligibility (in years) | 5 |
Option 2: Enter an active RIDE ID number. Your TAP card duration period lasts until your RIDE ID number expiration date.
Option 3: Upload the Health Care Professional Certification (HCPC) form, signed by a health care provider, to the online application. For people with health care professional-certified permanent disabilities, TAP card duration is five years. For health care professional-certified temporary disabilities, the card duration period is one year.
The duration period of your TAP card is based on your documentation of disability. TAP cards have a maximum duration period of five years.
Note: The standalone HCPC form is for online applicants only. If you are applying by mail, you must fill out the mail-in application, which includes a HCPC section.
Get a TAP CharlieCard
You can apply for or renew a card online, in person, or by mail. Once submitted, We'll review your application within six to eight weeks. We'll contact you if we are unable to approve your application.
As of October 1, 2024, reduced fare program cards are being replaced with non-personalized cards. Program benefits will remain the same. Riders applying for a new or replacement TAP card will receive a card that no longer includes their photo or a printed expiration date.
Help Someone Apply Online
Individuals and organizations—such as Commissions on Disability—can download our guide to learn how to help people apply for a new, renewal, or replacement TAP CharlieCard online.
If you need help with your TAP application please call customer support at 617-222-3200, or email us at CharlieCardStoreDept@MBTA.com.
Caring for Your TAP Card
All TAP cards come with an embedded microchip. To keep yours working properly, handle it with care. To prevent damage to the card:
- Do not punch holes in the card
- Do not bend or twist your card
- Do not insert it into any equipment. CharlieCards are meant to be tapped at fare gates, boxes and vending machines.
In the event of loss, theft, damage or renewal of your card, you can call 617-222-3200 to report it.
If you are given a temporary card, the renewal process should begin three months prior to the expiration date printed on the card.
Note: Reduced fare CharlieCards are not transferable and subject to applicable reduced fare regulations and conditions of use. Any violation of the rules will result in immediate confiscation.
How to Use Your TAP Card
Download the TAP CharlieCard flyer (PDF, 172 KB)
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