The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) announced that fare checks as part of its Fare Engagement Program will soon begin within the subway system.

Beginning September 8, fare engagement representatives will begin issuing formal warnings and citations to riders who have not tapped at a fare gate or farebox.

"Our riders deserve a safe and reliable mass transportation system that is available for them when they need it," said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. "With strong support, we are making significant progress, but to sustain it, we owe it to our riders and the public at large to do our part and collect all appropriate fare revenue. It's about a responsibility we have and fairness for all."

MBTA's New Fare Engagement Team Boosts Collections

In October 2024, the MBTA hired and trained 16 fare engagement representatives to answer rider questions about fares. Within the first several weeks, according to an agency release, fare collection increased by up to 35% at stations where the new fare engagement representatives were on-site.  

Fare engagement representatives have been conducting fare education outreach throughout the system over the past several months and will be supported by MBTA Transit Police. Fare engagement representatives wear blue shirts, khaki pants, hats, have MBTA identification, and have access to Google Translate at all times (the majority of Representatives speak a second language in addition to English).

According to the release, the MBTA is "deeply committed to ensuring that the Fare Engagement Program is implemented in a fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory manner."

"As we continue to improve service frequency across all modes, we have much more to do, and we rely on each rider to pay their fare and support continued service improvements," Eng said. "Your fares are essential to delivering the levels of service you expect and help us better support your community. To our riders who pay for each and every trip, thank you! For those who may need support with payment, please reach out to us about the reduced fare opportunities we offer across all modes. Know that our fare engagement representatives dressed in blue shirts will be moving to the next step of ensuring fare compliance by all."

Since 2021, the MBTA has solicited and incorporated public input through hearings, written comments, and direct outreach. The feedback helped shape every stage of rulemaking in its fare checks, including the guarantee of a warning for first-time offenses.

To prevent bias and promote a consistent rider experience systemwide, fare engagement representatives will be deployed equitably across the system based on ridership patterns, not geography, to avoid a disproportionate presence in any one community.