MBTA to discontinue printed photos and names on some reduced‑fare CharlieCards; backend verification retained

The MBTA said it will stop printing riders’ photos and names on certain reduced‑fare CharlieCards to shorten turnaround time for issuing and replacing cards.

"We are no longer requiring these cards to have customer's photo or names on them," said Laura Brelsford of the System‑Wide Accessibility team, describing a shift already used for senior cards. She said the major advantage is a much faster turnaround because the MBTA can issue a generic card rather than printing personalized cards.

Brelsford added that identifying information, including photos, will remain stored electronically and tied to the card's account for verification and fraud‑prevention purposes: "If somebody wanted to verify that a customer was a legitimate holder of a reduced‑fare card, they would be able to take that card and look up the account number and find your name and your photo and your information." Current physical cards will continue to work until they are replaced at renewal or loss.

Participants asked whether Blind Access cards will show expiration dates once photos are removed. Brelsford said she did not know offhand but that the serial number on the card can be used to look up expiration and the team would follow up with the questioner. She also said MBTA does not plan to automatically issue replacement cards to people whose existing cards are not due for renewal.

The agency pointed to online renewal forms and in‑person service centers for customers who need assistance with applications.