A Jawnt Pass and the MBTA are a smart combination for Boston area commuters. Whether you ride a few times a week or take transit daily, you can choose the most cost effective option — pay per ride or purchase a monthly pass — and cover your commute using your Jawnt Pass.
What are my options with the MBTA?
You can use your Jawnt Pass to:
Buy single tickets, especially for Commuter Rail rides, using the mTicket app.
Purchase monthly passes at fare vending machines or in the mTicket app, depending on your travel needs.
Should I choose a monthly pass or pay as I go?
If you ride 4–5+ days per week, a monthly pass is likely the most economical choice.
If you ride fewer than 4 days a week, using pay-per-ride options (especially via the mTicket app for Commuter Rail) may be better.
Monthly Passes: How to Buy and Use
MBTA Monthly Pass Options:
Local Bus Only – $55/month
LinkPass (Bus + Subway) – $90/month (most popular)
Express Bus + Subway – $136/month
Charlestown Ferry – $90/month
Hingham/Hull Ferry – $329/month
Commuter Rail – Price varies by zone (View fares)
When to Buy:
The MBTA sells calendar-based monthly passes. Sales for each new month begin on the 15th of the prior month.
For example:
A pass purchased on September 14 is valid only until September 30
A pass purchased on September 15 is valid from October 1 to October 31
For bus and subway passes, allow 24–48 hours for your pass to load onto your CharlieCard. We recommend purchasing your pass on or shortly after the 15th to avoid paying twice.
Commuter Rail passes, whether bought at a fare vending machine or via the mTicket app, are valid for one calendar month and activate immediately.
Where to Buy:
Bus/Subway Monthly Pass: Buy at an MBTA fare vending machine at stations (Orange, Red, Blue, Green Lines, SL4/SL5).
Commuter Rail Monthly Pass: Buy via the mTicket app or at a fare vending machine.
💡 If you buy your Commuter Rail monthly pass at a fare vending machine, it includes a LinkPass for unlimited subway and bus rides during the same month. Passes purchased via the mTicket app does not, and are valid only for Commuter Rail Travel
How do I buy an MBTA bus/subway monthly pass from a fare vending machine?
If you don’t have a CharlieCard yet:
Tap “Buy a CharlieCard”
Tap “Passes” → “Monthly”
Select the LinkPass (or your preferred monthly option)
Choose a payment method and follow the prompts
A new CharlieCard will be dispensed with your pass preloaded
If you already have a CharlieCard:
Tap your CharlieCard on the fare machine to begin
Tap “Calendar Based Monthly Passes”
Choose the LinkPass
Confirm and pay
Tap your card again to complete the transaction
Single Tickets: Quick & Easy via mTicket
Single-ride Commuter Rail tickets are best purchased through the mTicket app, available for iPhone or Android.
Step-by-Step: Buying a Ticket in the mTicket App
Open the mTicket app
Tap “Buy Tickets”
3. Select your origin station
4. Select your destination station
5. Choose your ticket type:
One-Way Ticket – valid for a single ride once activated
mMonth Pass – valid for one calendar month (purchase after the 15th for next month)
6. Tap “Accept & Continue” to agree to MBTA’s terms
7. Choose a payment method:
Mobile wallet (Apple Pay/Google Pay) — fastest if you have already loaded your Jawnt Pass to your wallet
Or tap “Add New Card” to manually enter your Jawnt Pass
8. If entering manually, input your Jawnt Pass info and optionally save the card
9. Tap “Accept & Pay” to complete
10. Activate your ticket before boarding the train
💡 Tip: Monthly passes bought in the mTicket app do not include subway or bus travel. Only fare vending machine purchases offer the LinkPass combo.
Bonus: Why is it called a CharlieCard?
The name comes from a 1950s folk song about “Charlie,” a man who couldn’t afford to get off the train. Read the story or listen to the song.