MBTA tests new fare option as commuter trends shift

Rail News Home Passenger Rail 6/17/2020 Rail News: Passenger Rail
MBTA will offer a fare option good for any five days of travel within a 30-day period.Photo – MBTA

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) on July 1 will begin a commuter-rail fare pilot to test new ways to accommodate riders as their travel patterns change during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Under the pilot, MBTA will offer a fare option good for any five days of travel within a 30-day period. The fare option was designed to coordinate with new staggered work schedules and telework policies that have become more common. 

“We understand our commuter-rail riders need another fare option as travel patterns adjust and many previous daily commuters see their post-pandemic work schedules changing,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak in a press release. 

Riders can access the fare option using the mTicket mobile application through Sept. 30.