Local News

Reduced fare proposal would half T costs for tens of thousands of riders

“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.”

CharlieCard being used at the State Street MBTA station in Boston. John Blanding/The Boston Globe, File

January 26, 2024

2 minutes to read

The MBTA is exploring a reduced fare plan that would cut costs in half for low-income riders, a move that could spark millions more trips each year.

The program would be aimed at riders between 26 and 64 years old who don’t have a disability and fall at or below 200% of the federal poverty line — about $30,000 a year for a single-person household and $62,000 for a family of four.

The proposal targets a gap in the MBTA’s existing reduced fare programs, which include savings for students, seniors, and some riders with disabilities, MBTA Senior Director of Fare Policy and Analytics Steven Povich explained in a presentation to the T’s Board of Directors Thursday.

More than 60,000 riders could benefit from the program, which is expected to generate 7 million more trips per year, the T said in a news release. The agency estimated that the program would cost around $52 million to $62 million, including administrative and operating costs and the loss of some fare revenue.

If the Board of Directors approves the changes, the reduced fares will start rolling out in the spring and summer.

“We are incredibly excited about this program, which will make a difference in the lives of residents across the state and provide greater affordability, opportunity, and access to all MBTA service for residents as they travel throughout the week,” Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt said in a statement.

The initiative also drew praise from transit leaders and equity advocates from around Massachusetts.

“The introduction of a low-income fare program is a huge step toward making the MBTA more affordable and equitable,” LivableStreets Alliance Executive Director Stacy Thompson said in a statement. “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.”

The MBTA also wants to expand the $10 unlimited weekend Commuter Rail pass to include federal holidays and make some changes for riders who pay in cash. Instead of giving riders a CharlieTicket with their change, the T will encourage the use of plastic CharlieCards for stored value.

Riders can weigh in on these proposals during eight upcoming public meetings.