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Governor announces extended commuter-rail discounts and fare changes to boost affordability
Summary
The governor and MBTA interim secretary Phil Ng announced extensions to commuter-rail discounts and new fare policies — including a $1 weekend companion pass, 50% monthly commuter-rail discounts, reduced express-bus fares, a two-hour transfer window, and free rides for older adults — aimed at making transit more affordable and encouraging mode shift.
The governor announced a package of fare changes and pilot programs designed to make public transit more affordable across Massachusetts, saying affordability is the administration’s top priority. "Affordability is my number 1 priority for the state," the governor said, noting the initiatives aim to lower costs for workers, families and seniors.
Phil Ng, the MBTA's interim secretary and general manager, said the programs are already changing who uses the system and that the agency would extend several summer measures into the fall. "We're extending the commuter rail discounts for an additional 3 months, September, October, November," Ng said, and reported the income-eligible program has "over 45,000 enrollees." The pair stressed that measures are intended to sustain ridership gains and support the state’s economy.
