Tell us: How would low-income MBTA fare impact you?
The newly approved plan will allow riders between the ages of 26 and 64 who make $30,000 a year or less to ride the T at a half-off rate.
Last week, the MBTA board of directors voted in favor of a half-off fare program for low-income riders across the transit system.
The board unanimously approved the plan, which will allow riders between the ages of 26 and 64 who make $30,000 a year or less to ride the T at the reduced rate. Reduced fare programs already exist for seniors, students, riders with disabilities, and people between the ages of 18 and 25 with low income.
Eligible riders will have access to half-priced fares for all subway, bus, commuter rail, and ferry service, as well as The Ride, the T’s paratransit program.
Riders will be able to apply online, and eligibility will be determined by existing enrollment in SNAP and MassHealth programs. If eligible, riders will be mailed special CharlieCards that will allow them to purchase half-priced tickets. The MBTA will work with third-party community partners to help with customer service and eligibility verification. The agency said it will focus on in-person locations where riders can get face-to-face help with their applications.
The new program is expected to enroll 62,000 riders and generate up to 8.1 million annual trips by fiscal year 2029, according to a presentation from last week’s meeting.
“Expanding low-income fares will help to ensure that our transportation system is more equitable and more affordable, which supports the mission to give everyone greater access to mobility options, especially community members depending on transit,” Secretary of Transportation Monica Tibbits-Nutt said in a statement.
A reduced fare program for low-income riders has been in the works for a decade.
“The introduction of a low-income fare program is a huge step toward making the MBTA more affordable and equitable. We know that the MBTA is a lifeline for thousands of people and that this program will make it easier for all people, regardless of age or ability, to get where they need to go,” LivableStreets Alliance Executive Director Stacy Thompson said in a statement.
We want to know: What do you make of the reduced fare program?
If you’re a low-income rider, how will the program benefit you? Will you be more inclined to take public transportation with the introduction of the program? If you’re not eligible for the program, how do you feel about reduced fares for low-income riders?
Tell us by filling out the form or e-mailing us at [email protected], and your response may appear in a future Boston.com article.
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