By Dialynn Dwyer
The MBTA is hosting a series of public meetings to get input on proposed fare changes in 2024, including a new program that would reduce fares for low-income riders.
So far, the transportation agency has offered three public listening sessions on the proposed 2024 fare package, but five other events are scheduled through the rest of the February. The next meeting is Wednesday at the Brockton Public Library at 6 p.m.
Among the proposed changes, the MBTA’s new income eligible program would expand reduced fares to eligible low-income riders. According to the MBTA, riders aged 26 to 64 would be offered 50% reduced one-way fares and passes if they are enrolled in other programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or MassHealth and are not already covered by the agency’s existing reduced fares programs.
The MBTA is also proposing the replacement of “change tickets” — the paper tickets offered onboard buses and the street-level trains and trolleys on the Green and Mattapan lines when a fare is overpaid with cash — with CharlieCards. If approved, when onboard buses, riders would be able to load change onto CharlieCard.
“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,” the MBTA said.
The final proposal from the MBTA that it is seeking feedback from the public on is one to make the $10 holiday weekend pass pilot program on the commuter rail permanent.
Feedback on the proposed changes can be shared with the MBTA until Feb. 29 by email ([email protected]), phone (857-327-3282), or mail (Public Engagement Department, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 3830, Boston, MA 02116).
Below, the dates of the remaining public meetings — both in-person and virtual — on the proposed changes:
FEBRUARY 7, 2024, 6:00 PM
Public Meeting | MBTA Proposed Fare Changes (In-Person)
Brockton Public Library, Brockton, MA
FEBRUARY 12, 2024, 6:00 PM
Public Meeting | MBTA Proposed Fare Changes (In-Person)
Mildred Avenue Community Center, Mattapan, MA
FEBRUARY 13, 2024, 6:00 PM
Public Meeting | MBTA Proposed Fare Changes (In-Person)
Worcester Public Library, Saxe Room, Worcester, MA
FEBRUARY 20, 2024, 6:00 PM
Public Meeting | MBTA Proposed Fare Changes (In-Person)
La Colaborativa, Chelsea, MA
FEBRUARY 27, 2024, 6:00 PM
Public Meeting | MBTA Proposed Fare Changes (Virtual)
Zoom, Boston, MA
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