MBTA Approves Reduced Fare Program for Low-Income Riders

The program will offer half-fares to those eligible.

Photo of MBTA fare machine and customer tapping card on sensor to purchase additional fare. Under new reduced fare program, eligible customers will qualify for a discount of half or more.

The program will result in savings of hundreds or even thousands for low-income families. Photo: Jarvis Chen.

MARCH 28, 2024 (BOSTON, MA) – The MBTA board voted today to approve a reduced fare program for low-income riders across most services. The Conservation Law Foundation released the following statement in response.  

“None of this would be possible without the tireless advocacy from MBTA riders who have called out to make fares more affordable for years,” said CLF Transportation Attorney Seth Gadbois. “The reduced-fare program sets us up on the right track to ensure no rider is forced to miss the next stop in their journey. But we must continue to push to make this program even stronger in the long run.” 

The program will reduce the cost of fares by half or more, resulting in hundreds or even thousands of annual savings for Greater Boston families. Eligible riders include residents making under 200% of the federal poverty level (under $29,160 for single-family households) and who are enrolled in other low-income-based programs.  

CLF experts are available for further comment. 

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