Fare collection updates: IndyGo, MBTA, Brightline 

The Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo) and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) are making changes to their  fare collection strategies while Brightline has started a new program. 

IndyGo updates fare collection system 

The IndyGo Board of Directors approved an update to its fare policy that will further modernize its fare collection system with a fare adjustment and the retirement of outdated fare products. 

“A modern, accessible transit system is the backbone of a thriving city,” said IndyGo President and CEO Jennifer Pyrz. “Fare increases are never easy, but this step is about protecting the service our riders depend on. IndyGo remains committed to putting customers first and ensuring our system remains safe, reliable and accessible for all who depend on it now and into the future.”   

The plan includes:  

• A base fare increase from $1.75 to $2.75 for fixed route service, effective Jan. 1, 2026, with daily fare capping using MyKey increasing from $4.00 to $6.00 and weekly fare capping using MyKey increasing from $15.75 to $24.75. 
• Fare increases for riders of IndyGo Access, the agency’s paratransit service, effective July 1, 2026, with ADA Area increasing from $3.50 to $5.50, Premium Area increasing from $7.00 to $11.00 and Same Day increasing from $10.00 to $15.00. 
• Stopping the sale of 10-trip, 31-day, S-Passes and Summer Youth Passes, effective July 1, 2026.  
• No longer accepting 7-day, 10-trip, 31-day, S-Passes and Summer Youth Passes, effective July 1, 2027. 

Fares 

The agency notes its fares have remained the same since 2009, but over the past 16 years, the costs of fuel, labor and vehicle maintenance have increased significantly. According to IndyGo, as its financial gap continues to grow, a fare adjustment is necessary to maintain existing service levels, invest in essential maintenance and repairs and support fair, competitive wages for frontline staff.  

IndyGo says the fare structure will continue to include free two-hour transfers, daily and weekly fare capping through the MyKey fare payment system, half-price fares for seniors, youth and individuals with disabilities and free trips for veterans.   

Passes and MyKey  

According to the agency, the decision to discontinue the sale of several paper passes supports its long-term goals of modernizing the system, improving efficiency and ensuring all riders have access to flexible and affordable fare options. IndyGo says MyKey offers a more convenient, equitable payment option by allowing riders to pay as they go and eliminating the need for large upfront payments. MyKey additionally allows frequent riders to automatically earn their way to fare-free rides through fare capping, generally providing the same benefit as paper passes but in a format that works with more modern fare equipment.   

Implementation  

The agency will launch a comprehensive education campaign in advance of the Jan. 1, 2026, effective date, with a special focus on reaching low-income riders, riders with limited English proficiency, seniors, youth and riders with disabilities. IndyGo will also host a series of on-bus educational conversations, pop-up stations and virtual info sessions to ensure all riders understand the rate increase and how they can get the most value from MyKey. 

“We’re committed to making sure every rider understands what is changing and when,” said IndyGo Chief Public Affairs Officer Carrie Black. “Whether you’ve been riding IndyGo for years, or you just took your first trip yesterday, we’re here to help you navigate these changes.” 

MBTA to begin fare checks in subway system 

Beginning Sept. 8, fare checks as part of the MBTA’s fare engagement program will begin within the subway system. 

“Our riders deserve a safe and reliable mass transportation system that is available for them when they need it,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “With strong support, we are making significant progress, but to sustain it, we owe it to our riders and the public at large to do our part and collect all appropriate fare revenue. It’s about a responsibility we have and fairness for all. As we continue to improve service frequency across all modes, we have much more to do, and we rely on each rider to pay their fare and support continued service improvements.” 

In October 2024, MBTA hired and trained 16 Fare Engagement Representatives to answer rider questions about fares. Within the first several weeks, the agency says fare collection increased by up to 35% at stations where the new Fare Engagement Representatives were on-site.   

The agency notes fare checks are respectful interactions where trained Fare Engagement Representatives visually check fares as they observe riders entering fare gates and boarding vehicles. Fare media includes CharlieCards, credit cards, smart phones, smart watches, and valid passes. Fare Engagement Representatives have been conducting fare education outreach throughout the system over the past several months and will be supported by MBTA Transit Police.  

According to the MBTA, Fare Engagement Representatives wear blue shirts, khaki pants, hats, have MBTA identification and have access to Google Translate at all times. Future phases of the fare engagement program will include representatives onboard buses, Green Line trolleys and Mattapan Line trolleys to verify fare payment and provide riders fare education.

“Your fares are essential to delivering the levels of service you expect and help us better support your community,” Eng added. “To our riders who pay for each and every trip, thank you! For those who may need support with payment, please reach out to us about the reduced fare opportunities we offer across all modes. Know that our Fare Engagement Representatives dressed in blue shirts will be moving to the next step of ensuring fare compliance by all.” 

Warnings and citations  

The MBTA notes if a rider has not paid, the following steps will occur:    

1. Having a warning-first system ensures riders know how to pay their fare before being held accountable for evading fares. 
2. Riders will be asked for their government-issued form of identification. If a rider does not have an ID available, staff will request their name and contact information. A warning or citation will be handed to the rider and mailed if a valid address is provided. Failure to pay fares after a warning will result in a civil citation requiring the rider to pay a fine: 

• First, second or third citation: $50 fine
• Fourth or subsequent citation: $100 fine

The MBTA says the next phase of fare engagement reflects years of thoughtful collaboration with community members, advocates and transit riders across the region. Since 2021, the agency has solicited and incorporated public input through hearings, written comments and direct outreach. To prevent bias and promote a consistent rider experience system-wide, the MBTA notes Fare Engagement Representatives will be deployed equitably across the system based on ridership patterns, not geography, to avoid a disproportionate presence in any one community.   

The MBTA has implemented new reduced-fare eligibility. According to the agency, discounted fare cards are available to riders with disabilities, senior citizens and some students. The MBTA expanded reduced fares to income-eligible riders aged 18 – 64 who are enrolled in the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Department of Transitional Assistance, MassHealth or MASSGrant programs. MBTA reduced fare programs offer eligible riders approximately 50% off on all MBTA buses, subway, ferry, Commuter Rail and paratransit travel. The agency says routes 23, 28, and 29 are currently fare-free routes as a result of funding from the city of Boston as part of a pilot program.  

Brightline partners with Capital One 

Brightline and Capital One have launched a credit card affiliate collaboration. The initiative will spotlight the Capital One Venture, VentureOne and Venture X cards. Brightline notes the cards are specifically tailored for travelers who crave flexibility and rewards. Guests will encounter Capital One’s Venture Suite across digital platforms, select stations and onboard environments. 

“This collaboration brings together two forward-thinking brands that are reshaping their industries,” said Brightline Senior Vice President of Marketing & Commercial Strategy Barbara Drahl. “Capital One’s bold, customer-centric approach aligns perfectly with our mission to redefine modern transportation and connect communities across Florida in smarter, more inspiring ways.” 

Brightline notes card holders can use reward miles from Capital One to directly purchase Brightline tickets.