Riders who qualify can apply online or at five in-person locations around the MBTA service area in partnership with Action for Boston Community Development and the Massachusetts Association for Community Action network starting September 4.
(BOSTON, MA) – The MBTA today announced that it is expanding access to reduced fares for income-eligible riders beginning Wednesday, September 4, 2024. The online application is simple and can be completed in English, Spanish, Portuguese, simplified Chinese, Haitian-Creole, or Vietnamese. The launch will also include the availability of in-person support at five locations around the MBTA service area in partnership with Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) and the Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) network. An additional 31 locations will become available for service over fall 2024. Following input from critical stakeholder groups, a pool of “early adopters” of the program will be able to apply online beginning Tuesday, August 20, 2024. More information is available at mbta.com/income-eligible.
A meaningful improvement for fare equity, the new program provides riders who are aged 18-64 and have low income with reduced one-way fares of approximately 50% off on all MBTA buses, subway, Commuter Rail, and paratransit (The RIDE) travel. This unlocks affordability for residents across the MBTA service area, including in the Gateway Cities. This expansion will be the first reduced fare program to include The RIDE. As part of this change, Senior users of The RIDE will also be eligible for half-priced fares on both Standard and Premium RIDE trips.
“The MBTA’s first-of-its-kind income-eligible reduced fare program will truly make public transportation affordable for those who need it most,” said Governor Maura Healey. “For many of our low-income riders, we know the daily expense of commuting can be a burden, but this program will provide the financial relief riders need and, as a result, encourage more people to take public transportation. We are thankful to the Legislature for their partnership in securing the funds in our FY 25 budget that make this program possible.”
ABCD Media Contact: Jamie McIver
jamie.mciver@bostonabcd.org
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