By Tiffany Williams –
BOSTON — Massachusetts is launching a new round of MBTA fare experiments aimed at lowering transportation costs, simplifying transfers and giving riders more flexibility across the public transit system.
Governor Maura Healey announced Tuesday that three pilot programs will begin this fall, while two Commuter Rail discount programs will be extended through November 2026.
Healey promoted the initiatives Tuesday morning while greeting passengers at the Belmont Commuter Rail station and riding the train into downtown Boston.
“Every day, we’re looking for new ways to lower costs and make it easier for people to choose public transportation,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These new fare pilots and the extension of our commuter rail savings will put money back in people’s pockets while giving more riders the flexibility they need to get to work, school and everywhere in between.”
One of the most significant changes will expand the MBTA’s two-hour transfer policy.
Under the current system, subway and bus riders are generally limited to two transfers within two hours. Free transfers also depend on the types of transportation being used and the specific routes involved.
Beginning September 1, riders using buses, subways or ferries will be able to make a practically unlimited number of transfers during a two-hour period while paying only the highest fare incurred.
Riders must use the same form of payment throughout the trip for the transfers to be recognized.
The change could allow someone to take a bus to the subway, complete an errand and return home within two hours without being charged multiple fares.
The pilot will run for six months.
A second program will eliminate the higher fares charged on seven MBTA express bus routes.
Those trips currently cost $4.25 at the full fare and $2.10 at the reduced fare.
During the pilot, those express routes will charge the standard local bus fare of $1.70 for full-fare riders and 85 cents for reduced-fare riders.
The administration estimates that a passenger who regularly commutes on an express bus could save nearly $500 during the six-month program.
The change does not apply to the SL1, SL2, SL3 or SLW routes.
That pilot will also begin September 1 and continue for six months.
The third initiative will offer free MBTA service to certain Massachusetts residents age 75 and older who no longer drive.
Through a partnership with the Registry of Motor Vehicles, residents who are at least 75 years old, hold a Massachusetts identification card and do not have a driver’s license will be eligible for a free-fare credential.
The credential will apply to MBTA buses, subways, ferries and Commuter Rail service.
The state has not yet announced the program’s start date but said additional details will be released this fall.
“We want public transportation to be the easiest and most affordable choice for more people,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands or spending time with family, these fare pilots and continued commuter rail savings will help riders save money while giving them more flexibility to get where they need to go.”
The Healey administration is also extending two Commuter Rail promotions following what it described as strong participation in its summer savings programs.
Monthly Commuter Rail passes will remain 50% off during September, October and November.
Monthly pass holders will also be able to bring one companion on weekend trips for $1 each way through November.
The MBTA told NewsTalk New England that the existing $10 weekend pass will remain available and is not ending.
Other summer programs, including Free Summer Fridays and expanded weekend travel benefits for monthly pass holders, will continue through the end of August.
Free Summer Fridays will end as scheduled because the MBTA expects higher seasonal ridership during the fall.
According to the administration, Friday Commuter Rail ridership increased by approximately 50% in June compared with May.
Riders also took more than 6,200 companion trips during the first six weekends of the program.
Officials said major events, including the World Cup and Sail Boston, helped increase ridership and Commuter Rail revenue during the summer.
“Affordability and ease of use are two things that move people towards utilizing public transportation,” said Interim Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “Over the past three years, we have been improving service, reliability, safety, and have been making the MBTA more affordable through programs like the Income-Eligible Reduced Fare Program. It is my hope for more people to get onboard and to enjoy the transportation possibilities that the MBTA can offer through its network.”
The new initiatives represent the latest attempt by the administration to attract additional riders while reducing the cost and complexity of using public transportation.
The expanded transfers and lower express bus fares are scheduled to begin September 1.
The free-fare program for eligible seniors will begin on a date to be announced later this fall.