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What to know about the MBTA’s free and discounted commuter rail plans for summer
The discounts are partly meant to offset impacts from commuter rail schedule changes during the World Cup in June and July.
As Greater Boston gears up for a stacked lineup of events expected to flood the region’s public transit this summer, the MBTA is throwing its loyal riders a bone.
MBTA General Manager Phil Eng and Gov. Maura Healey announced a slate of summer promotions this week aimed at lowering costs for commuter rail riders and encouraging more people to take the train during an especially busy season.
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“As we prepare for events like the World Cup, MA250, Tall Ships, and for millions of visitors to experience all that Massachusetts has to offer, we want to thank our regular riders that rely on us 365 days a year for your patience and continuing to choose transit during this unprecedented summer,” said Eng, who also serves at interim transportation secretary.
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Earlier this week, he confirmed plans to raise prices for round-trip train tickets to Gillette Stadium for the World Cup, though he did not offer concrete figures.
The MBTA’s new summer incentives include “Free Fridays” from June through August, as well as a 50% discount on monthly commuter rail passes. All told, state officials say monthly passholders will save between $321 and $639 this summer, depending on their route.
According to the MBTA, the discounts are partly meant to offset impacts from the commuter rail schedule adjustments needed to support increased ridership during the World Cup in June and July. That includes expanded service to accommodate up to 20,000 passengers on 14 trains per match day to Gillette Stadium, dubbed “Boston Stadium” for the event.
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“We want to make using public transportation easier and more affordable for people — for our regular commuters, for residents going out to local businesses and restaurants, and for everyone who will be enjoying the exciting special events we have going on this summer,” Healey said.
Here’s what to know about the summer commuter rail discounts.
Free summer Fridays
Commuter rail service will be free on Fridays in June, July, and August, though riders taking the Boston Stadium Trains, the CapeFLYER, and other special event trains to Foxborough will pay regular fare.
Monthly passes half-off
Monthly passes for June, July, and August will be half-off, including full- and reduced-fare passes for Zones 1 through 10, Interzones 1 through 10, and the commuter ferry. The discount does not apply to Zone 1A passes or non-monthly passes (for example, single tickets and weekend passes).
Expanded weekend travel
Riders with monthly commuter rail passes will be able to travel to any zone on weekends; Zones 1 through 10 passholders can travel through Zone 10, and Interzone passholders can travel through Interzone 10.
The promotion doesn’t apply to Zone1A passes or ferry service, and riders taking the Boston Stadium Trains, the CapeFLYER, and other special event trains to Foxborough will pay regular fare.
$1 weekend ‘summer companion’ fare
Monthly passholders will be able to bring one companion on any weekend commuter rail trip for just $1 each way. The offer is limited to one companion per passholder, and regular fares still apply for the Boston Stadium Trains, the CapeFLYER, and other special event trains to Foxborough.
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