The MBTA proposes introducing a low-income fare program, replacing change tickets with CharlieCards, and extending the $10 weekend commuter rail pass to long weekends and holidays. The low-income fare program proposes mailing eligible participants a special CharlieCard providing a 50% discount on all MBTA modes. Eligibility includes enrollment in a current state-sponsored anti-poverty program such as MassHealth or SNAP, and verification of identity. Once eligible, participants remain so for one year. To assist with outreach to low-income individuals, and to assist with the online application process, the MBTA plans to partner with a third party with roots and connections to communities where low-income residents reside. The proposed low-income fare supplements existing programs for children, individuals with disabilities, students, youths (up to age 25), and senior citizens aged 65 and over.
The total program costs to launch and implement the low-income fare initiative in year one is estimated at $23 to $26 million, rising to $52 to $62 million in year five. $45 million is included in the Healey/Driscoll Administration’s proposed FY25 budget. The House and Senate have yet to release their FY25 proposed budgets, but there is no guarantee that any funding for the proposed low-income fare program will be included when the final, consensus FY25 budget is passed and approved in the summer of 2024. Nevertheless, low-income people need relief. This report recommends supporting the proposed fare changes, and favorable action by the MBTA Board of Directors. It also suggests that all parties express concerns about the long term feasibility of the initiative, and the need for long-term, sustainable, and dedicated funding to allow its operation in year one and beyond.
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