Charliecard hack

Previous Share Flag Next. I ride the T every work day, and most weekend days, and for all that I complain about how it could be better, I love being able to do most of my getting around on trains and buses. I don't, however, love having to keep track of my Charliecard, not specifically because of it but just because I have so many little bits and pieces of life I have to carry around every day: Charliecard, phone, wallet, keys, etc.

But I always want my Charliecard with me, because, hey, I never know when I'm going to want to hop on a bus and go somewhere interesting. Wouldn't it be nice if my phone could be my T pass? Well, I realized, there's no reason it can't be. So I tried sticking the card under the skin I had on my phone, but it turns out the card is too big and bulky and is too stiff to conform to the shape of the phone. I don't need the whole card, right? Just the RFID tag and antenna.

So I set out to do that. I needed a Charliecard, a non-plastic container, and some acetone: ETA: It's a good idea to make a note of your Charliecard number before you destroy it. Put it into a watch or make it into a bracelet. I suspect you would get some strange looks from bus drivers when you wave your wrist to pay the fare. Worth it. Early in the Charlie era, I saw someone tapping their phone against the card reader on a ticket machine.

I asked if they needed help. They said they were helping the T test a phone that had a Mifare chip in it, but it wasn't working too well. Help keep Universal Hub going.

If you like what we're up to and want to help out, please consider a completely non-deductible contribution. Copyright by Adam Gaffin and by content posters. Skip to main content. Hey, there! Please contact your administrator for assistance. Register my CharlieCard. Please note that we can only consolidate value purchased in cash. Any CharlieCard or CharlieTicket value purchased with a credit card will not be accepted. Skip to main content green line. Home Fares Overview CharlieCard.

Auto-pay Get a monthly subway or bus pass that renews automatically Sign up for Auto-pay. MyCharlie Already have a CharlieCard?

Add value or monthly passes online. Add value. Should I get a CharlieCard? The type of MBTA pass you use depends on which modes you take and how often you take them. CharlieCard Best for frequent subway and bus riders Easily tap into stations and vehicles Online card management and protection Not valid on Commuter Rail or ferry.

CharlieTicket Great for visitors Great for Commuter Rail and ferry riders who also take the subway and bus Available at all fare vending machines Commuter Rail and ferry passes also valid on bus and subway Limited or no transfers when loaded with cash value No online management or protection.

Where can I get a CharlieCard? Select bus and subway stations. Select municipalities and organizations. Select Boston library branches. Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston.