MBTA to Eliminate 'Honor Box' Payment System

By LIZ TAURASI (Patch Staff)

Come July, those “honor box” payment systems will no longer exist in MBTA parking lots.

Effective July 6, the MBTA will be eliminating the much-maligned process of folding individual dollar bills and stuffing them into tiny slots. In its place will be what they are touting as the easier, more convenient payment method -- PayByPhone -- which allows customers to pay parking fees by using any phone or any internet connected device. PayByPhone is already used by more than 75 percent of MBTA customers parking in ‘honor box’ lots throughout the transit system.

Another convenient option for customers is the monthly permit system, which includes a built-in discount, MBTA officials say. At ‘honor box’ lots where the daily parking fee is commonly $4, a $70 monthly permit can save customers some real cash. In August, monthly permits will have another benefit when they become ”universal.” One permit will be accepted at any MBTA parking facility with the same or lower daily parking fee.

To learn more about the monthly permit, information is available here.

For customers who choose not to sign up for PayByPhone, the MBTA will mail a monthly invoice to the address listed on the vehicle-owner’s registration. Customers choosing the invoice method of payment will pay 50 cents more than PayByPhone customers. If invoices remain unpaid for more than thirty days, subsequent reminder invoices and notices of non-payment will be accompanied by a fine. Similar to All Electronic Tolling used on the Tobin Bridge, this payment system is licensed plate based and eliminates the need to pay for MBTA parking using cash.

Effective Monday, July 6, PayByPhone customers can make payment over the phone at 1-866-234-7275, or using the PayByPhone app. Customers are encouraged to sign up for PayByPhone at www.paybyphone.com.