Mbta Buses: Free Rides Or Not?

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has implemented various trials and programs offering free public transport since the 2010s. This includes a two-year program launched in March 2022, which made MBTA bus lines 23, 28, and 29 free of charge. This program expanded upon a previous six-month pilot for Route 28, which served as a crucial test case for the benefits of fare-free buses in Boston. The COVID-19 pandemic also influenced the push for free public transit, with Acting Boston Mayor Kim Janey announcing a $500,000 three-month pilot for Route 28 in June 2021.

Routes 23, 28, and 29 are free until February 28, 2026

MBTA buses are not free, however, Routes 23, 28, and 29 are free until February 28, 2026. This program was implemented by the City of Boston in partnership with the MBTA and is funded by the City of Boston. The program was first announced by Mayor Michelle Wu, who stated that it would "make public transportation more convenient, accessible, and affordable for our residents who depend on transit to get to work and school."

The program has been successful, with more than 12 million trips taken on the three free routes, creating an estimated savings of over $6 million for riders. On average, about 50% of riders are saving around $35 per month. The program has also increased ridership and maintained steady travel times, even with more riders.

The fare-free program has been beneficial for the community, especially those with low incomes, as it reduces their financial burden. It also simplifies the riding experience, making trips faster and more reliable. Additionally, it helps riders spend less time and money commuting, allowing them to spend more time with their families.

The extension of the program until February 28, 2026, will continue to provide these benefits to the community and improve transportation options for Boston's residents.

The RIDE paratransit service is also free for trips starting and ending within 3/4 mile of these routes

The MBTA offers a range of bus services in Boston and the surrounding communities. While these services are not free, there are reduced fares available for eligible riders. However, there is a fare-free program for Routes 23, 28, and 29, which will be in effect from March 1, 2022, through February 28, 2026. This program includes The RIDE paratransit service, which is usually not free.

The RIDE paratransit service is a shared-ride, door-to-door public transportation service for people with disabilities who cannot use the subway, bus, or trolley all or some of the time. This service is available year-round in 58 cities and towns in the greater Boston area, with similar operating hours to the MBTA, typically from 5 am to 1 am daily. Customers can schedule their trips on The RIDE in advance and are given a pickup window for their ride.

During the fare-free program for Routes 23, 28, and 29, The RIDE service will also be fare-free for customers whose trips start and end within 3/4 of a mile of these routes. This is in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires paratransit services to operate within a 3/4-mile corridor on either side of a fixed route. This means that eligible riders can use The RIDE service for free if their trip begins and ends within the specified distance from Routes 23, 28, or 29. It is important to note that the RIDE Flex program is excluded from this fare-free program.

While The RIDE service is a valuable option for those who need it, it may not meet all the needs of people with disabilities. It is also important to remember that transfers to and from other routes are not included in the fare-free program. Riders will need to pay the regular fare if they transfer to another bus or subway line outside of Routes 23, 28, and 29.

Local Bus and Silver Line fares are paid at the onboard fare box

MBTA buses are not free. Local Bus and Silver Line fares are paid at the onboard fare box at the front of the bus. The Silver Line is a system of bus routes in Boston and Chelsea, Massachusetts, operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The Silver Line is operated as part of the MBTA bus system but is branded as bus rapid transit (BRT) as part of the MBTA subway system.

There are several ways to pay your fare on MBTA buses. You can use a CharlieCard, CharlieTicket, contactless payment, or cash. Reduced fares are also available for eligible customers, and children aged 11 and under can ride for free.

The CharlieCard and CharlieTicket are reusable plastic cards that can be loaded with cash value or passes. You can purchase these cards online, at fare vending machines, or at select retail stores. The fare vending machines are located at all subway stations and accept cash, credit/debit cards, and EBT cards. Retail stores accept cash, credit/debit cards, and some accept EBT cards.

When boarding a Local Bus or Silver Line, you can pay your fare by tapping your CharlieCard on the fare box target. If you are using a CharlieTicket, insert it into the fare box ticket slot with the orange arrow facing up and away from you. The machine will read your ticket, and it will be returned to you. For cash payments, simply insert the amount displayed on the fare box.

It is important to note that you cannot buy or reload 1-day, 7-day, or monthly passes at onboard fare boxes. Additionally, the MBTA encourages riders to pay with exact change whenever possible. If you expect to pay more than the required fare, you can load cash onto a CharlieCard and keep the change for future rides.

By choosing to ride with MBTA, you are opting for a convenient and flexible way to get around Boston and its surrounding areas. With various payment options available, you can select the one that best suits your needs and travel hassle-free.

A one-way trip on a Local Bus costs $1.70, and an Express Bus costs $4.25

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) offers a range of fare options for its bus services, including local and express buses. While some routes are fare-free, a one-way trip on a Local Bus typically costs $1.70, and an Express Bus costs $4.25. These fares can be paid using a CharlieCard, CharlieTicket, contactless payment, or cash.

Local Buses operate within Boston and its immediate communities, providing an extensive network of over 150 routes and 7,000 stops. On Local Buses, riders can use cash or a CharlieTicket to pay the fare, but transfers to other modes of transit are not included. However, with a CharlieCard, riders can transfer up to two times and pay the difference in fares.

On the other hand, Express Buses serve the suburbs and communities outside Boston, making stops in downtown Boston. These buses are ideal for commuters travelling longer distances. Similar to Local Buses, Express Bus fares can be paid using a CharlieCard, CharlieTicket, or cash. However, transfers are included with this option, allowing riders to switch between different modes of transportation within two hours of their first tap.

It's important to note that the MBTA also offers reduced fares for eligible riders, such as seniors and people with disabilities. Additionally, children aged 11 and under can ride for free. The MBTA aims to provide accessible transportation options for all its passengers.

Furthermore, the MBTA has introduced contactless payment options on buses, improving the convenience and efficiency of fare payment. Riders can use their devices to make contactless payments, enhancing their overall travel experience.

While most MBTA bus routes require fares, there are specific routes that are fare-free. For example, Routes 23, 28, and 29 are part of a Fare-Free Program funded by the City of Boston, allowing riders to travel through Roxbury and Dorchester without any cost. This initiative is part of the Better Bus Project, aiming to invest in long-term improvements.

The MBTA is not the first transit system in Massachusetts to test out fare-free buses

In Boston, the MBTA has implemented fare-free buses on three routes: 23, 28, and 29. This program, funded by the City of Boston, will be in effect for four years, from March 1, 2022, to February 28, 2026. This initiative expands on a previous six-month pilot program for Route 28.

The MBTA's fare-free program is part of the Better Bus Project, which aims to invest in long-term changes such as adding more buses, drivers, and garages. During the program, The RIDE paratransit service will also be fare-free for customers whose trips begin and end within 3/4 mile of routes 23, 28, and 29.

The MBTA is not the only transit system to experiment with fare-free buses. Similar programs have been implemented in other cities, such as New York City, Kansas City, and Boston itself. These initiatives aim to provide economic relief to low-income riders, improve safety, and reduce emissions by encouraging the use of public transportation.

The success of these fare-free bus programs could have significant implications for the future of public transportation in Massachusetts and beyond.

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