BOSTON — Eliminating the use of cash on Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) buses and introducing the mobile app used by commuter rail passengers to other public transit lines are strategies under consideration by state officials contemplating ways to boost ridership, reported the Lowell Sun.

Distance and time-based pricing on the public transit system is another strategy under review, among others. All potential moves would take years to implement, according to the report. The focus on getting more riders on MBTA's system comes on the heels of fare hikes, which have impacted ridership over recent years. For the full story, click here.