Archaic 'Honor Box' Payment System at MBTA Parking Lots to be Eliminated

Effective July 6, the so-called 'honor box' payment system will no longer exist at MBTA parking lots. The MBTA is eliminating the much-maligned process of folding individual dollar bills and stuffing them into tiny slots. The easier, more convenient payment method is 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. At 'honor box' lots where the daily parking fee is commonly $4.00, a $70.00 monthly permit can save daily parking customers up to $30.00 a month. 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. 

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.

Parking prices:

PayByPhone customers pay $4 to $7 depending on parking lot.

Invoice customers pay $4.50 to $7.50 depending on parking lot.

Discounted monthly permits range in price from $70 to $90.