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:
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.
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.
For one-on-one assistance, you can:
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.
Which disabilities can a health professional certify?Download the Health Care Professional Certification form in your preferred language:
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.
Apply onlineTo complete your application, you’ll need to upload three things:
You can choose to either receive your TAP CharlieCard in the mail or pick it up at the Charlie Service Center. If you choose to have it mailed, you will receive your card within two to four weeks after approval. If you choose to pick it up, we will contact you via phone or email with instructions.
Apply at the Charlie Service CenterThe Charlie Service Center is located at:
It is between Milk St and Water St, near the State Street T Station and Downtown Crossing.
Here’s what you'll need to be prepared with when you arrive:
If you're automatically eligible, you’ll receive a temporary reduced fare CharlieCard, valid for use while you wait for your permanent TAP CharlieCard to arrive in the mail within seven to ten business days. All other applicants will receive a decision letter within six to eight weeks.
Download a TAP CharlieCard application
Schedule an Appointment
If you'd prefer, you can schedule your visit ahead of time. Appointments are available on Mondays, 8:30 AM – 12:15 PM.
Apply by mailBefore you begin the TAP application form, please read through the instructions below:
Download a TAP CharlieCard application
If you need help with your TAP application, you can:
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.