Fare Evasion Citations
The MBTA can issue civil tickets, called fare citations, to individuals who do not pay the correct fare to ride MBTA vehicles or ferries. We will also issue citations to riders who fraudulently use someone else’s reduced fare card.
First offense (within a 3-year period): formal, written warning with no fine. Further offenses will result in a citation.
First, second, or third citation: $50 fine
Fourth or subsequent citation: $100 fine
First offense (within a 3-year period): forfeiture of the reduced fare card and a formal, written warning with no fine. Further offenses will result in a citation.
First, second, or third citation: $75 fine
Fourth or subsequent citation: $150 fine
Pay Your Citation Online
Visit the online payment portal to pay your citation, check the status of a citation or appeal, file a written appeal, or request a hearing.
Pay a Fare Citation
You can pay your citation online, over the phone, or by mail. You can also visit the online payment portal to check the status of your citation or appeal.
Ways to pay:
- Online
- By phone: 1-888-941-9716
- By mail: Please include your full name and citation number on a check or money order (no cash), made payable to MBTA, and send it to:
- AFC Fare Citations
- PO Box 845898 Boston, MA
- 02284-5898
For questions, or to request an accommodation or translation to another language, please call the MBTA customer service line at (800) 392-6100 or (617) 222-3200.
Appeal a Citation
If you disagree with your citation or are facing a financial hardship, you can file an appeal or request a hearing within 60 days of the date of the citation.
If you file a written appeal, you will be able to submit supporting documentation in writing, either electronically or by mail.
You can file a written appeal:
- Online
- By mail: Send a letter addressed to:
- Attn: MBTA Customer Experience Issue Resolution Team
- 10 Park Plaza, Suite 4810
- Boston, MA 02116
Please include your full name and citation number in your appeal letter and include any relevant documentation.
If you schedule a hearing, you will have the opportunity to explain your appeal live, directly to a member of the MBTA issue resolution team.
You can schedule an appeal hearing:
- Online
- By phone: (800) 392-6100 or (617) 222-3200
If you need to reschedule your original hearing appointment, you must do so in advance using one of the methods above. Failure to appear at the date, time, and place specified on the hearing notice without rescheduling will result in the denial of your appeal.
During either of the above appeal processes, there will be an option to request a financial hardship waiver. If you can demonstrate financial hardship, the MBTA may waive or partially waive your fine, as outlined in our policies.
How Appeals Work
Written appeals will be reviewed by a member of the MBTA issue resolution team. If you disagree with the result of your written appeal, you may request a hearing. Hearing decisions are final, subject to judicial review.
Hearings are informal in nature and can be conducted in person or virtually via phone or video conference. You must personally attend the hearing—you cannot have someone attend on your behalf—though you may bring witnesses or additional participants. If you have any documentation related to your appeal, make sure to have it on-hand and ready to share.
We will issue a decision within 60 days of receiving your written appeal or conducting your hearing. The decision will be mailed to the address we have on file, and we may also send you an email notification. If you made your appeal or hearing request via the online portal, the decision will also be available there when final.
Downloads and Additional Resources
MBTA Fare Evasion Citation Policies
2023 Fare Citations Annual Report
Translated Citations and Notices
Download fare evasion citations and notices in your preferred language.
Pay Your Citation Online
Visit the online payment portal to pay your citation, check the status of a citation or appeal, file a written appeal, or request a hearing.