2021 Fare Changes

We’re introducing changes to some of our fare programs this summer. These include:

• Expiration of Lynn and Quincy Center Zone 1A temporary fares
• Expanded access for the Youth Pass Program
• Combined Inner and Outer Express Bus fares

Expiration of Zone 1A Temporary Fares

Two temporary Zone 1A Commuter Rail fares will end in June—Lynn Zone 1A pilot and Quincy Center fare mitigation. Beginning July 1, Zone 1A fares and 7-day LinkPasses will no longer be accepted.

• For travel between Lynn and North Station on the Commuter Rail, you will need to buy a Zone 2 ticket or pass.
• For travel between Quincy Center and South Station on the Commuter Rail, you will need to buy a Zone 1 ticket or pass.

If you are purchasing a ticket or pass on mTicket for use in July, please wait until July 1 to ensure that it is for the correct zone.

Changes to Fare Types

As one small step in our broader Fare Transformation, the MBTA proposed changes to two fare types—Youth Pass and Outer Express Bus—to increase access and simplify fares for our riders.

These changes were approved at the FMCB meeting on May 10, 2021 and will go into effect on July 1, 2021.

Expanded Access for the Youth Pass Program

Since July 2020, Youth Pass cardholders have been able to purchase half-price tickets for Commuter Rail on board, at ticket windows, and via the mTicket app as part of an MBTA fare pilot. This pilot has been made permanent along with other Youth Pass improvements.

Beginning in July 2021, Youth Pass riders will also be able to purchase half-price Commuter Rail tickets at fare vending machines, and Youth Passes will be valid for reduced fares on Express Bus (just tap your card) and ferries.

Learn more about Youth Passes

Combined Inner/Outer Express Bus Fares

Historically, MBTA Express Bus routes have been separated into two categories: Inner Express ($4.25/ride) and Outer Express ($5.25/ride). Beginning in July 2021, all Express Bus routes will charge Inner Express fares and accept Monthly Inner Express Bus Passes.

If you normally take route 352/354, your fare will automatically change to the lower Inner Express Bus rate starting July 1. If you’re buying a monthly pass for July, you don't have to wait until July 1 to purchase it—just select the Inner Express Bus Pass to get the lower rate.

Learn more about bus fares

Downloads

You can read an analysis of the potential fare equity impacts of the proposed changes and our proposal to mitigate those impacts below.

• 2021 Proposed Fare Change Title VI Equity Analysis
• Proposed Mitigation for Potential Disproportionate Benefit
• April 12, 2021 FMCB Presentation
• May 10, 2021 FMCB Presentation