New revenue generated by the fare increase allows the MBTA to continue funding critical capital improvement projects and make strategic investments in service with a focus on buses.
Via Mass Inc.
1 min to read
New revenue generated by the fare increase allows the MBTA to continue funding critical capital improvement projects and make strategic investments in service with a focus on buses.
Via Mass Inc.
Following three years without a fare increase, the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board approved a number of changes to the fare structure, which includes no changes to bus fares, or to fares for holders of Youth Passes, Senior Passes, and Transportation Access Passes.
As part of the vote, the popular weekend commuter rail fare becomes permanent and eligibility criteria for the Youth Pass will be expanded. The overall system-wide average increase is approximately 5.8%. The new fare structure will be implemented July 1. The Board also voted that another fare increase will not be considered for at least three years.
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New revenue generated by the fare increase allows the MBTA to continue funding critical capital improvement projects and make strategic investments in service with a focus on buses.
The Board took into consideration more than 3,000 public comments gathered during a series of community meetings held throughout the state, emails, and phone messages. Directors acted to address concerns expressed during that process.
Included in this measure:
Single-trip local bus fares and local bus passes stay flat.
Student Pass and Senior Pass stay flat.
Subway fare with CharlieCard will be $2.40.
Increasing access to Youth Pass via MassHealth and including MASSGrant to make joining easier.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.
The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
