The MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services, the T’s operating and maintenance partner for the Commuter Rail, announced today that the installation of the Commuter Rail fare gates at South Station has been completed and fare gates will begin to be phased into operation on Tuesday, December 30. Passengers will need to tap or scan their ticket or pass to exit and to enter the track area at South Station. Conductors will still check tickets on board trains to verify travel zones.

Passengers can use the following types of tickets to exit and enter the gates: the mTicket app, CharlieCards and CharlieTickets with printed zones, $10 weekend paper tickets, Amtrak tickets, and active military IDs. Reduced fare passengers must still buy a ticket or pass (at a reduced rate). Stored value CharlieCards used for the bus and subway are not accepted at Commuter Rail fare gates.

The South Station fare gates layout includes 40 gates installed around the concourse area, including 11 wider, accessible gates that allow sufficient room for wheelchairs, scooters, bicycles, luggage, and strollers.

The gates will improve fare collection, replace platform ticket checks, and create a more consistent fare-paying experience for passengers. The design and configuration of the fare gates was developed to align with recent station improvements and builds on the successful implementation of gates at North Station where passengers have tapped tickets or passes 14 million times since those gates opened in 2022. The design also follows industry standards and global best practices in fare collection.

Fare gates are also planned to open at Back Bay Station and Ruggles Station in 2026.  ia

-via Press Release