Big changes are happening at the MBTA as the transit agency prepares to roll out the fare increases next month, and even discusses ways to raise other non-fare revenue to help the the country’s oldest system.
One thing the T is doing is phasing out the T token completely.
Yes, believe it or not, some tokens are still kicking around out there and being inserted into machines as a means to get around town.
Starting in July, however, the MBTA will no longer accept the T tokens from customers boarding the buses and trains.
But after they axe the acceptance of the tiny, timeless pieces of currency, the MBTA will have 3.4 million tokens laying around. They are stored in the T’s money room, where the public isn’t allowed. (We asked if we could get a tour. But we got a photo instead). Regardless, that’s a lot of coins to spare.
So what will become of them all?
According to MBTA Spokesman Joe Pesaturo, “it’s very likely they will be sold [to the highest bidder] for scrap.”
“The market shall dictate the bids,” he said.
The tokens, which many people don’t seem to use anyways, represent less than one-tenth of one percent of all transactions at fare vending machines, according to Pesaturo.
The last of the tokens were reportedly sold a little more than half a decade ago, as the T tried to take them out of circulation.
In 2012, through last week, 12,479 tokens were redeemed in fare vending machines, according to Pesaturo.
“This is a tiny fraction of the 9,574,332 transactions at [fare vending machines] during the same time period this year,” he said in a statement.
According to the MBTA, the value of the tokens also represents a very small fraction of all revenue collected at the fare vending machines during that time frame. The total value of tokens equal $15,598.75, while the total revenue collected is around $72 million.
Some people have been creative with the novelty coins and turned them into gifts and jewelry.
The MBTA even sells items in their store that are made from the old metal pieces.
You can redeem your tokens for Charlie Card/Ticket value until July 20 at the following locations: Downtown Crossing, Harvard Square, Riverside, Ruggles, Quincy Center, and Government Center Stations.
Or visit the Downtown Crossing Pass Office and 10 Park Plaza, Suite 4730, during business hours.
