2024 Fare Changes
On March 28, 2024, the MBTA Board approved changes that would expand reduced fares eligibility to riders with low income among other changes to our fares.
The MBTA’s new income-eligible program would improve fare affordability across all modes with 50% reduced one-way fares and passes. Riders 26-64 with low income are eligible if they are enrolled in other programs such as SNAP and MassHealth and are not covered by existing reduced fares programs. Applications will launch in summer 2024.
Learn more about the income-eligible reduced fare program
Other changes include:
- Replacing change tickets with CharlieCards on buses and the Green and Mattapan lines
- Permanent $10 Holiday Weekend Passes
These changes have gone into effect with the exception of the income-eligible reduced fare program.
In early 2024, the MBTA eliminated change tickets — the paper tickets received onboard buses and street-level Green and Mattapan line trolleys when fare overpayment with cash occurs — and phased them out in favor of CharlieCards.
From now on, change will not be issued to riders. Instead, riders can load overpayment on CharlieCards available onboard buses only.
For street-level trolleys, we encourage riders to use exact change or load CharlieCards at their nearest fare vending machines or retail locations prior to travel.
View a tutorial to learn how to load a CharlieCard with cash onboard buses and street-level trolleys
The Holiday Weekend Pass pilot program was first introduced in spring 2023. As of spring 2024, the Holiday Weekend pass has become a permanent pass option on the Commuter Rail for three-day weekends or any holiday that doesn’t coincide with a weekend.
Share Your Feedback
We collected public feedback to understand how these changes might affect riders. Your comments can help us ensure these new fare policies will benefit you.
The public comment period for the 2024 proposed fare changes is now closed. You can share feedback year-round with our Public Engagement team.
Past Events
Downloads
Through February 2024, at each public hearing and meeting, we present the proposed fare changes and their impacts on riders before receiving feedback.
In accordance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations and the MBTA's Service and Fare Change Equity Policy, the MBTA reviews all proposed fare changes to better understand the impacts on protected classes of riders. We are providing the draft of the analysis for transparency.
After the public comment period, this analysis will be finalized and the MBTA Board of Directors will be asked to vote to accept it.
Learn More About Our Fare Policies
The tariff provides details about our official fare structure, including rates and payment options across the system. Check back in April for an update to this document.
Learn More About Our Fare Policies
The tariff provides details about our official fare structure, including rates and payment options across the system. Check back in April for an update to this document.