Commuter Rail Station Fare Gates
On October 1, 2022 new electronic fare gates began operation on North Station’s concourse and tickets will now be required to enter and exit this gated area.
This improvement is part of the Commuter Rail’s fare gate program that will ultimately include gates atNorth,South, andBack Bay stations.
Installing fare gates at Commuter Rail hub stations prepares for the MBTA’s systemwide Fare Transformation program. The new gate system will let us better integrate the Commuter Rail’s network and ticketing system with those of the T’s other transit modes, and provide the following rider benefits:
- No more platform-door ticket checks
- Improves fare collection
- A more consistent fare-paying experience across transit modes
Learn more about the MBTA’s Fare Transformation program
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion,5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
How to Use the Fare Gates
The gates function similarly to our subway gates, except that Commuter Rail and Amtrak tickets and passes must be verified when riders enter and exit at the North Station Commuter Rail concourse.
Tickets bought onboard by inbound riders to North Station may use their onboard tickets to re-enter and exit the station.
Scan the barcode.
Tap card on fare reader.
- CharlieCards must have a printed zone and date to be accepted.
- Stored-value CharlieCards will not be accepted.
- Monthly LinkPasses are not accepted on the Commuter Rail. You can purchase a Zone 1A pass for the same price.
For Reduced Fares Riders:
- Inbound riders using reduced fare CharlieCards will need to purchase their ticket in advance either in advance or on board from a conductor. Outbound riders can purchase from the ticket office.
- Fare gates will accept Blind Access CharlieCards and Student M7 passes. Riders using other reduced fare CharlieCards will need to purchase a separate ticket or pass for their specific zone.
Tap on the fare reader or swipe using the black stripe.
Single, round trip, or monthly CharlieTickets with a printed Zone are accepted. A monthly LinkPass with a printed date is also accepted. Stored-value tickets will not be accepted.
For paper tickets purchased on board and at ticket offices, scan the barcode.
The following paper tickets are accepted:
- $10 weekend tickets
- Special event tickets (this includes holiday and Patriots game tickets)
Note: Paper $10 weekend tickets are not valid without a barcode. Please request a replacement from the ticket office at North, South or Back Bay station, or from the conductor on board if your ticket does not have a barcode.
Scan barcode on digital or paper ticket.
Scan the barcode on the front of the unexpired active Department of Defense Common Access Card.
Children 11 and under will continue to ride free. When you wish to pass through a gate with children, a staff person stationed at the gates will open a gate for them free of charge.
Download a guide to the new fare gates in your preferred language:
How Fare Gates Will Impact Your Trips
The new fare gates will have little impact on your trips. Gate installations are designed to accommodate even greater numbers of T riders than before the pandemic, so they shouldn't slow movement through the station.
In case of an emergency, the gates will open automatically to allow passengers and staff to leave the station.
Here are some key things to know:
- Traveling through North Station is different with the new gates. Riders tap, scan, or swipe their tickets or passes when they enter or exit the station.
- You still need to show your ticket to conductors on board who will verify your ticket zone.
- You must keep your ticket with you to exit North Station's concourse area. Riders who arrive without tickets must purchase them through the mTicket app or from a staff member stationed at the gates.
North Station Gate Layout
Design and configuration of the fare gates at North Station was done with riders' needs in mind, and involved many steps, including:
- Observing and analyzing riders' behaviors and pre-pandemic movements through stations
- Consultations with mobility specialists
- Modeling exercises that led us to maximize functionality
The resulting layout features 30 gates installed around the concourse area, including nine wider, accessible gates that allow sufficient room for wheelchairs, scooters, luggage, and strollers.
South and Back Bay station configurations are still in development. Each station’s gate layout will differ to accommodate the unique passenger flow and dynamics of the station. We'll provide updates as they become available.
Photo Gallery
Riders exiting new North Station fare gate (September 2022)
Up-close look at entry fare gate in North Station (September 2022)
New fare gates standing in empty North Station concourse (September 2022)
Share Your Feedback
We're asking the public to help guide our decisions as we roll out the Fare Transformation project over the next several years.
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion,5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
Share Your Feedback
We're asking the public to help guide our decisions as we roll out the Fare Transformation project over the next several years.