Youth Pass
The Youth Pass Program offers reduced fares to young adults with low income. The program is a partnership between the T and participating cities and towns.
Youth Pass CharlieCards can be loaded with:
- Cash value for roughly 50% reduced one-way fares
- $10 7-Day LinkPasses
- $30 monthly LinkPasses
Your card can also be used to purchase reduced monthly passes for Commuter Rail, Ferry, and Express Bus.
Youth Pass Eligibility and Application
You may be eligible for a Youth Pass if you meet these requirements:
- You live in a participating city or town.
- You are between 18 and 25 and are enrolled in a Youth Pass partner program, such as MassHealth, SNAP, Year Up, public housing, etc.
- You are between 12 and 17 and are unable to get a Student CharlieCard through your middle or high school.
Boston residents enrolled in grades 7 – 12 are not eligible for a Youth Pass if they are out-of-district or attend the following:
- Boston Public Schools (BPS)
- Charter schools
- Pilot schools
- Innovation schools
If you are a BPS student and want to receive a Student CharlieCard you can call BPS Transportation at 617-635-9520 or email Schoolbus@bostonpublicschools.org.
Learn more about Youth Pass eligibility
Note: If you live in a city or town with MBTA service that does not participate in the Youth Pass Program, encourage them to sign up by asking your city officials to contact us at youthpass@mbta.com.
Youth Pass Eligibility Window
Youth Pass CharlieCards are valid from November 1 of the current year to October 31 of the following year. Cards issued for the previous year expire on November 1.
Riders will need to re-apply each year to be issued a new card.
Applications are reviewed within five business days. You will receive an email stating if you were approved, denied, or if more information is needed to process your application.
How to Use Your Youth Pass
You can use your Youth Pass CharlieCard to purchase reduced fares and passes. Online applicants should receive their Youth Pass within five days of application approval. In-person applicants may receive their cards the same day they applied.
Youth Pass riders should always keep their Youth Pass CharlieCard with them when they ride the T to present as proof of program membership.
Learn more about reduced fare passes
Replacing Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Youth Passes
If a fare gate or fare box says that your card is inactive, or doesn't permit entry, your card may be inactive, expired or damaged. For lost, broken, de-magnetized, or expired cards, you can get a replacement card.
Note: Value and passes can be transferred to replacement cards at the CharlieCard Store, but they are unable to issue new cards. Replacement cards must be issued online or from your city or town's Youth Pass location before visiting the store.
Contact Information
Please contact your city or town for more information about eligibility and how to apply to the Youth Pass program.
Youth Pass Reduced Fares
The Youth Pass CharlieCard provides reduced fares for bus, subway, Commuter Rail, Express Bus, and ferry.
Youth Pass Eligibility
Learn more about eligibility requirements and what documents you’ll need to apply.
Want to Become a Youth Pass Partner?
If you're a municipal or nonprofit employee and are interested in launching the Youth Pass Program in your municipality, email us at youthpass@mbta.com.
Youth Pass Reduced Fares
The Youth Pass CharlieCard provides reduced fares for bus, subway, Commuter Rail, Express Bus, and ferry.
Youth Pass Eligibility
Learn more about eligibility requirements and what documents you’ll need to apply.
Want to Become a Youth Pass Partner?
If you're a municipal or nonprofit employee and are interested in launching the Youth Pass Program in your municipality, email us at youthpass@mbta.com.