Boarding Vehicles
Once you have your Charlie Card, you’ll use it at the fare boxes when boarding the bus.
On-Board Fare Boxes
Using cards and tickets when boarding vehicles is simple and takes just a few seconds. After loading a card with value at a fare vending machine or retail sales terminal, simply enter a bus and either insert a Ticket into the ticket entry slot or ‘tap’ your Charlie Card to the orange box/card target.
If you are using a Charlie Card, the farebox will automatically deduct the appropriate amount of value from your card-just tap your card and enter the vehicle.
Using the Fare Box
Using the Fare Box
The Charlie Card is a quick, convenient and secure way to use WRTA fixed-route services.
Farebox Orientation
The Card Target
On-Board Fare Box Card Target
The orange card target is located in the lower right corner. Tap your Charlie Card on the orange card target to pay a fare.
The Display Screen
On-Board Fare Box Display Screen
The screen located in the upper portion of the farebox will give information on your Charlie Card (such as the card balance).
The Bill Insert
On-Board Fare Box Bill Insert
The bill slot is located at the lower left of the farebox. It will accept $1, $5, $10 or $20 bills. To speed up the boarding process, please be sure the bills being inserted are free of wrinkles or bends since it can be difficult for the farebox to read wrinkled or bent bills.
The Coin Slot
On-Board Fare Box Coin Slot
The coin slot is located directly below the bill slot. It will accept nickels, dimes, quarters and silver dollars.
Paying Your Fare Using the Farebox
Paying Your Fare Using Your Charlie Card
Paying Your Fare Using Your Charlie Card
To pay your fare using your Charlie Card, simply tap the Charlie Card to the orange card target. One beep will indicate that the correct fare has been deducted from your Charlie Card. Three quick beeps will indicate that either the machine was unable to properly read your card or you don’t have enough stored value on your card to pay the fare.
Paying Your Fare Using Bills or Coins
Paying with Bills
Paying with Coins
To pay your fare with cash, simply insert the appropriate fare into the farebox using the bill or coin slots. One beep will indicate that you have paid the correct amount. Three quick beeps will indicate either a bill or coin has been rejected. If you have paid more than the required fare, in an amount of $1.50 or more, a stored value Change Ticket will be issued via the ticket slot. Be aware, no Change Ticket can be issued for amounts less than $1.50.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT PAYING YOUR FARE?
Read the complete Charlie/Fare FAQ, or contact Customer Support at 508.453.3462.
