MBTA Program Welcomes Riders Back

MBTA GM Steve Poftak joined MBTA Transit Police Chief Kenneth Green, A Better City President and CEO Richard Dimino, and others at Back Bay Station for an event highlighting MBTA services and keeping people safe as commuters return to the office and students return to school. With more people returning to transit after Labor Day, the MBTA is encouraging the use of public transportation while reminding riders that face coverings are required.

With workers and students returning to the Boston area and traffic already at near pre-pandemic levels, the T announced today that it is extending its popular 5-day Flex Pass pilot program for Commuter Rail riders to March 15.

“We’re pleased to be able to extend this fare pilot an additional six months in order to encourage riders back to the system in a way that best works for them,” said Poftak. “Our Commuter Rail riders continue to need more flexible ways of riding the system due to the impacts of the pandemic and this includes how they’re able to pay their fare. Commuter Rail customers can purchase a Flex Pass on mTicket and use their five one-day passes any day within a 30-day period, giving them the flexibility to travel when needed at a cost lower than the traditional round-trip ticket.”

The T has been adding back service and increasing frequency across the transit system to meet growing demand. The T is adapting to new post-pandemic travel patterns for riders to have more transit options for their new or hybrid schedules. The MBTA generates significant benefits to Metropolitan Boston residents and businesses through time savings, travel cost savings, and reduced vehicular emissions.

Per federal requirements, the MBTA also reminds riders that face coverings are required while on any MBTA vehicle and on MBTA property. With the safety of riders and employees of paramount importance, the MBTA will have masks available at more than a dozen key locations after Labor Day.

Working in partnership with A Better City, the T produced toolkits for new riders and people who have been away from public transportation during the pandemic. One toolkit is tailored for employers and employees and includes a Monthly Pass Break-Even Calculator. The second toolkit is for college and university students who may be unfamiliar with the T.

“We hope this calculator and the Flex Pass entice people to choose public transit over other modes like driving, which has broader negative implications like increasing congestion on our roads and pollution in our communities,” said A Better City President and CEO Richard Dimino. “Even with reduced days in the office, it is important to demonstrate the value proposition of public transit through hard numbers. As we seek to build back better, the pre-tax benefits and employer subsidies offered through the Perq program can make the ‘break-even’ number of transit trips to recover the cost of a monthly T pass less than one might think. ABC continues to work in partnership with stakeholders to further opportunities that make the T more affordable and fare equitable as they look to induce more riders into the system.”