BOSTON - A long-awaited upgrade is coming to the MBTA, as the "Tap to Pay ... Starting on Aug. 1, riders can tap their phones or credit cards to pay their fare instead of using a Charlie Card.

Added convenience The MBTA already allows ticketing by preloaded NFC/RFID cards that riders can carry in a wallet or purse and simply tap against a reader. However, these NFC cards need to be ...