MASSACHUSETTS Bay Transportation Authority's smart card has been named CharlieCard in honour of a fictional passenger who was trapped in the metro when he did not have an extra 5 cents to exit the station after a fare increase while he was travelling.
The song 'Charlie on the MTA', was written for 1948 mayoral candidate Walter A O'Brien, who opposed a fare increase. In 1959 the lyrics were adapted by folk group the Kingston Trio, who appeared with state Governor Mitt Romney to sing the song and unveil the card on November 8.
'We wanted a card with a strong connection to Boston,' said General Manager Michael Mulhern, 'and at the same time weave in some MBTA history'. In the song Charlie 'may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston ... the man who never returned'.
The $140m automated fare collection contract was awarded to Scheidt & Bachmann. CharlieCard will enter service on buses this month, and across the MBTA rail and bus network by the end of 2006. There will be a magnetically-coded CharlieTicket for occasional riders.
