Following 3 years without a fare increase, the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board approved a number of changes to the fare structure, which include no changes to bus fares, nor to fares for holders of Youth Passes, Senior Passes, and Transportation Access Passes.
As part of today’s vote, the popular weekend Commuter Rail fare becomes permanent and eligibility criteria for the Youth Pass will he expanded. The overall system-wide average increase is approximately 5.8 percent. The new fare structure will be implemented July 1, 2019. The Board also voted that another fare increase will not be considered for at least 3 years.
New revenue generated by the fare increase allows the MBTA to continue funding critical capital improvement projects, and make strategic investments in service with a focus on buses.
The Board took into consideration more than 3,000 public comments gathered during a series of community meetings held throughout the state, emails, and phone messages. Directors acted to address concerns expressed during that process.
Included in this measure:
- Single-trip local bus fares and local bus passes stay flat
- Student Pass and Senior Pass stay flat
- Subway fare with CharlieCard will be $2.40
- Increasing access to Youth Pass via MassHealth and including MASSGrant to make joining easier
