Most of the glitches that plagued the system in its early weeks - cards that froze in cold weather, values that disappeared, a dearth of vendors - have been fixed. With the cards in widespread use, the T could implement variable fares - perhaps charging more for longer trips or less for rides in off-peak hours. In October - the most recent month for which data were available - 88 percent of subway riders and 83 percent of bus riders used the cards. Although the T does not tout CharlieCards as money savers for the agency, the automated collection system should produce some long-term financial benefits. The agency also is working to make the CharlieCards work as cash cards for authorized merchants, so that a rider could tap the card when picking up a cup coffee before the morning ride. read more

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