“Hi Miles, I have a question regarding the express buses for you. When taking them, was the increased fare taken from your CharlieCard when you got on? I’m asking because there are some express buses that also have local portions, so I’m wondering if the drivers have to reprogram the fare boxes to take the local fare off at some point within the route instead of the express fare. Thanks in advance, and great blog!”
I’m glad you brought this up, because I actually have no idea. I had been wondering the same thing for quite some time. If anyone knows, leave a comment!
I think I can answer this. If you are traveling the local section, you need to tell the driver that, and he will change the farebox accordingly. For example, if you get on the 426 inbound on a weekday at Central Square, Lynn and want to go to Linden Square, tell the driver you are going to Linden Square and he will set the farebox to local. Now if he does, he will tell you go get off at the last stop before the official express part begins so you need to keep it honest. Outbound on the 426, this is done automatically when there is no more express part of the route. Hope this helps.