Massachusetts MBTA riders could save money this fall with three new discounts on public transportation.
Gov. Maura Healey, joined by MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng and several others at the Belmont Commuter Rail station, announced the new “affordability initiatives” on July 28. They include an “unlimited” transfer window, the elimination of higher express bus fares and free fares for some seniors.
Plus, some commuter rail discounts from the summer will continue into the fall, she said.
“Every day, we’re looking for new ways to lower costs and make it easier for people to choose public transportation,” Healey said in a press release. “These new fare pilots and the extension of our commuter rail savings will put money back in people’s pockets while giving more riders the flexibility they need to get to work, school and everywhere in between.”
How can I save money on the T this fall?
The MBTA is launching three new fare pilot programs in fall 2026.
Expanded 2-hour transfer window: Beginning Sept. 1, riders can make a “practically unlimited number” of transfers between subways, buses or ferries during a two-hour period, rather than just the two times currently allowed, and only pay the highest fare incurred during that window. Riders must use the same form of payment for the transfers to apply.
Elimination of higher express bus fares: Beginning Sept. 1, most MBTA buses, even express bus routes that currently charge up to $4.25, will only cost the local bus fare ($1.70 full fare / $0.85 reduced). However, the program does not apply to the SL 1, 2, 3 and W routes.
Discounts for car-free seniors: Massachusetts residents 75 and older who no longer drive will be eligible for free bus, subway, ferry and commuter rail services beginning at a date to be announced this fall. To qualify, residents must be aged 75 or above and hold a Massachusetts ID card, but no driver’s license.
An MBTA Commuter Rail Train.
Summer discounts continue
The fall savings come after Healey announced four commuter rail promotions earlier this summer including “Free Fridays” and discounts on monthly and weekend fares.
In a press release, Healey said that those promotions led to a 50% increase in commuter rail ridership on Fridays and over 6,200 people taking advantage of the weekend discount.
Free commuter rail services on Fridays will come to an end at the end of August, but some of the other promotions have been extended through November.
They are:
50% off discount: Calendar-month commuter rail passes for September, October and November will be discounted by 50%.
$1 “weekend companion” fare: On any weekend commuter rail trip covered by their pass, monthly pass holders may bring one companion for $1 each way.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: MBTA riders could save hundreds this fall. See new discounts
