MBTA is about ready to put out an RFP for a Charliecard replacement. Completely open-payment system like TFL, based on experiences they and others have had.
Cheap commodity hardware, and they won't be locked to one vendor. POP with all-door boarding (everyone taps regardless of monthly vs pay-for-trip) on Green Line and buses. Platform validators on the commuter rail, with gates at the downtown stations to prevent fare evasion. Full integration of mobile ticketing at all levels - you'll be bale to use Bluetooth or whatnot on your phone to pay anywhere.
Instead of just having money on your card, you'll have an actual account. That means it's easily and cheaply extensible to other modes. RTA buses. Private carrier buses, MBTA parking, Hubway, EZPass, RIPTA, Logan Express, MASCO, EZRide, etc. Makes corporate pass programs, student passes, etc way easier to implement.
Presentation here.
Cheap commodity hardware, and they won't be locked to one vendor. POP with all-door boarding (everyone taps regardless of monthly vs pay-for-trip) on Green Line and buses. Platform validators on the commuter rail, with gates at the downtown stations to prevent fare evasion. Full integration of mobile ticketing at all levels - you'll be bale to use Bluetooth or whatnot on your phone to pay anywhere.
Instead of just having money on your card, you'll have an actual account. That means it's easily and cheaply extensible to other modes. RTA buses. Private carrier buses, MBTA parking, Hubway, EZPass, RIPTA, Logan Express, MASCO, EZRide, etc. Makes corporate pass programs, student passes, etc way easier to implement.
Presentation here.