Fare policy
News topics:
The T’s ‘Fare Transformation’ Project Is Transforming Into A Boondoggle
“There are a thousand things that need to fixed and the fare collection system is not one of them.”
March 28, 2023
MBTA Staff (Finally) Endorse Comprehensive Low-Income Fare Program
Initial analysis of the City of Boston's fare-free bus pilot programs in Dorchester and Mattapan suggests that, because so many riders still need to make paid transfers onto the subway system, a reduced fare that applies to all modes of transit would have a bigger impact than fare-free buses alone.
October 14, 2022
Last-Minute Legislation Legalizes (Some) E-Bikes, Axes Low-Income Fares, and Throws More Cash At EVs
Despite a late effort by the Senate to revive legislation requiring the MBTA and regional transit authorities to implement low-income fare discounts, the provision went missing from the final agreement.
August 1, 2022
Mass. Senate Revives Low-Income Fare Legislation
The low-income fare legislation still needs approval from the House of Representatives, whose leadership snubbed similar language when it voted on its own version of the bond bill last month.
July 15, 2022
Advocates Lobby Senate for Low-Income Fares, E-Bikes In Transportation Bond Bill
The state’s bond bill authorizes public borrowing for new infrastructure projects, but transportation advocates hope that the legislation can also be a venue for the legislature to enact new policies and programs.
July 13, 2022
House Bond Bill Includes E-Bike Rebates, Snubs Low-Income Fares
State officials have been keen to pass a larger bond authorization this year to take advantage of higher federal spending that was authorized in Washington's 2021 infrastructure bill.
June 30, 2022
Coalition Rallies for Low-Income Fare Legislation
"I've watched passengers get on my bus and struggle to put that fare together," said Karen Maxwell of the Boston Carmen's Union Local 589.
April 25, 2022
How Transportation Issues Could Shape the Race to Replace Gov. Charlie Baker
The next governor of Massachusetts will enter office with another looming budget crunch at the MBTA, a historic amount of federal infrastructure money in play, mounting pressure to meet the state’s climate goals, and momentum for changing the way we pay for transit.
March 23, 2022
MBTA Board Updates: Bikes on Commuter Rail, Fare Changes, Budget Updates
Minor changes are coming to the T's fare policies, but advocates are still waiting to hear the agency's plans for a broad-based low-income fare.
January 27, 2022
15 Cities and Towns Ask the T to Streamline Agreements for Fare-Free Bus Programs
In a letter addressed to MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak, elected officials from 15 municipalities across the MBTA service area asked state officials to work with them to design "a fair, equitable, and standardized process for implementing fare-free bus pilots."
January 27, 2022
