Mass. will add 3 pilots to cut T fares, extend summer discounts
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South Station in April. Photo: Sophie Park/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Massachusetts plans to launch three pilots to cut MBTA fares and extend Commuter Rail discounts this fall.
Between the lines: Transit leaders are trying to capitalize on the ridership boost they saw during the World Cup and Sail Boston.
Yes, and: Healey touted the discounts as a measure to increase affordability, while running for reelection in one of the priciest states in the country.
Driving the news: The Commuter Rail will extend its 50% monthly pass discounts and the $1 fare for a monthly pass holder's companion through November, per Healey's office. (Free Summer Fridays will still end in August.)
- Healey plans to announce the extensions and three MBTA pilots Tuesday at the Belmont Commuter Station and take the train downtown.
Two pilots start on Sept. 1:
🚍 Express bus fares: One will cut certain express bus prices from $4.25 (or the $2.10 reduced fare) to match the local bus fares of $1.70 (or $0.85 reduced).
- The discounts won't apply to the SL 1, 2, 3, and W routes.
🛂 "Unlimited" transfers: The pilot will allow unlimited transfers for T, bus or ferry trips within a two-hour window as long as the rider uses the same form of payment throughout the trip.
- The T currently allows two free transfers within two hours and only between two different modes of transportation (e.g. from a bus to a train) or between two different bus numbers.
- It means riders only pay once if they run errands and return home via public transit in two hours … or if they head the wrong direction on the T and have to double back.
A third pilot — "Car-Free Seniors" — will offer in-state residents ages 75 and up who no longer drive free entry to all bus, T and ferry routes later this fall.
- Seniors currently get, at most, discounted fares and passes.
- Eligible riders must provide a state ID card instead of an active driver's license to get the discount.
Flashback: State officials offered steep discounts on the Commuter Rail ahead of the World Cup.
- Transit leaders also cut Franklin/Foxborough Line service on match days to make way to the special Boston Stadium trains to Foxborough.
- Commuter Rail ridership increased 50% on Fridays in June compared to Fridays in May.
What we're watching: The fall will test whether the T can keep increasing ridership — and revenue.