MBTA news: low-income reduced fare program begins

A new MBTA program that will cut the price of fares significantly begins Wednesday.

Tens of thousands of people are eligible, and it could save them hundreds of dollars a year.

"Whether you are using a Commuter Rail, a ferry, a bus or the ride, if you qualify you are now going to get a discounted fair," said Gov. Maura Healey.

The T's income-eligible reduced fare program reduces fares to riders between the ages of 18 and 64, at or below 200% of the federal poverty level — that's $30,120 a year for a single person or $62,400 for a family of four.

Previously, reduced fares were only for seniors, people with disabilities, or those under age 25 with low incomes.

T leaders believe it'll save the average eligible person about $720 a year or roughly $60 per month. All in all, this is expected to cut transit costs in half for about 60,000 riders.

"Things will be easier. They won't have to think twice about, 'Oh, should I jump on the train to go here?'" said Sharon Scott Chandler, president of nonprofit Action for Boston Community Development, or ABCD.

Here are the details of the program:

MBTA Income-Eligible Reduced Fare Program

Discounts: Half-price fares on commuter rail, bus, subway, ferry, and The Ride (door-to-door service for people with disabilities).
Income Eligibility:
- At or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
- $30,120 a year for a single person.
- $62,400 a year for a family of four.
- Other family sizes: https://www.masslegalservices.org/content/federal-poverty-guidelines-2024
Estimated Savings: roughly $700 a year
- Income-eligible CharlieCards can be loaded with:
  - Cash value for roughly 50% reduced one-way fares
  - $10 7-Day LinkPasses
  - $30 monthly LinkPasses
  - The card can also purchase reduced one-way fares and monthly passes for Commuter Rail, Ferry, and Express Bus.

Online Application:

Step 1: Create Account: If you don’t have a MyCharlie account, sign up for one. You need this to apply and receive updates.
Step 2: Verify Info:
- Auto-Verify: You can choose whether to automatically verify your eligibility using your ID or manually upload documentation.
- Manual Upload: Upload your ID and proof of state assistance (like a welcome letter or account screenshot). Approval should take two business days.
- Note: Use manual upload if using MASSGrant enrollment.
Step 3: Provide Address: Enter your shipping address to receive your card by mail in about a week.

Note: If you want to use your MASSGrant enrollment to qualify, you must use the manual upload process.

In Person Application:

Application Locations:
- Five in-person Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) locations around the MBTA service area offer help signing up.
- Current locations: https://bostonabcd.org/locations/
- An additional 31 locations will be available over fall 2024.
Language Options: The online application can be completed in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Haitian-Creole, or Vietnamese.

For more information: https://www.mbta.com/fares/reduced