Brockton Commuter Rail Fare Initiative: Fares Lowered to Zone 1A for Eligible Brockton Residents Beginning December 1

Beginning December 1, eligible Brockton residents may purchase single-ride tickets, 7-day LinkPasses, and monthly Zone 1A Passes for travel on the Commuter Rail from Montello, Brockton, and Campello Stations.

This measure aims to provide additional travel options, promote social distancing efforts, and reduce crowding on BAT bus services.

Today, following the leadership of the Brockton Area Transit Authority (BAT), the MBTA and MassDOT are pleased to announce that, beginning December 1, Zone 1A fares will be temporarily accepted from Brockton Commuter Rail stations for eligible Brockton residents. This 6-month fare measure aims to provide a reasonable, reliable, and economical alternative for commuters; reduce crowding on BAT bus service to Ashmont; and allow for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This temporary fare measure gives eligible Brockton residents a safe and reliable travel option on the Commuter Rail, where there is capacity for riders heading to Boston who might want to try commuter rail instead of taking BAT buses to connect to the MBTA,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “This initiative demonstrates how innovative regional transit authorities like the Brockton Area Transit Authority can collaborate with the MBTA to provide more safe travel alternatives for residents in communities like Brockton who may be essential workers or otherwise need safe transit commuting options during the pandemic.”

“We’re pleased to offer this temporary zone change in partnership with our regional transit partner, the Brockton Area Transit Authority, and MassDOT in an effort to reduce crowding and promote social distance on BAT buses,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “We encourage Brockton riders to enroll and to consider the Commuter Rail as an alternate travel option.”

“Brockton Area Transit sincerely appreciates the loyalty and trust that our customers have shown throughout the pandemic,” said BAT Administrator Michael Lambert. “We have worked extremely hard to provide friendly, reliable, and safe service and are proud of the drivers, mechanics, and supervisors that have made this all possible. The proposed partnership with the MBTA will allow for adequate distancing on our buses to Ashmont even as ridership continues to increase.”

“I applaud the MBTA and BAT for taking this innovative step toward improving transit equity and access in Brockton and the surrounding communities,” said Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan. “With 3 commuter rail stops in our City, these reduced fares will encourage more residents to use MBTA trains and will reduce crowding on our bus system. These lower fares will also give Brockton residents moving into new transit-oriented housing downtown an affordable opportunity to use the rail system and better connect our city to economic hubs in Boston.”

“We look forward to providing another safe and reliable transit option for Brockton residents with Commuter Rail – helping them travel to Boston faster,” said Keolis Boston CEO and General Manager David Scorey. “Keolis and the MBTA continue to clean and sanitize trains every 24 hours as an additional measure to keep our passengers safe. Commuter Rail provides a convenient and direct route for Brockton residents looking to get to Boston or any of the stops on the Middleboro/Lakeville line.”

In an effort to provide additional social distancing measures as well as ease crowding onboard BAT bus routes, starting December 1, those enrolled may travel between Montello, Brockton, and Campello Stations on the Middleborough/Lakeville Line to JFK/UMass and South Stations for the temporary 1-way Zone 1A price of $2.40, which is the same affordable price as a 1-way subway fare. Participants will also have the option to purchase 7-day LinkPasses for $22.50 as well as monthly Zone 1A Commuter Rail Passes for $90. The 7-day LinkPass and monthly Pass also include free transfers to the entirety of the MBTA system, such as bus and subway services, at no additional cost. Typically, Montello and Brockton are Zone 4 stations and Campello is a Zone 5 station with 1-way fares ranging from $8.75 to $9.75.

Participation is limited to the first 250 eligible Brockton residents. To enroll, Brockton residents must complete an online application available at mbta.com/BrocktonCRFares that includes a picture file of proof of Brockton residency, such as a driver’s license, state ID, utility/phone bill, or pay stub. The intake form can be completed on a computer or mobile device, or if needed, in person at the BAT Center. Proof of enrollment will then be provided within the BAT Bus Plus smartphone app (a physical card will also be available for riders without a smartphone) for participants to show train conductors while onboard along with their Zone 1A fare media.

The MBTA will collect travel data throughout the 6-month period, including through participant surveys, and will reassess the program’s limits depending on the impacts of the pandemic and crowding on all BAT and MBTA lines.

Additional recent customer fare improvements include:

Fare equity between CharlieTicket, cash fares and the CharlieCard. As of September 1, 2020, all fare payments are the same, regardless of whether a customer is using a CharlieCard, CharlieTicket, or cash;
CharlieCards are also accepted at all Fairmount Commuter Rail Line stations, with free bus transfers allowed from Zone 1A Fairmount Line stations as well as free transfers to the subway at South Station;
Youth Pass holders able to purchase half-price Zone 1A Commuter Rail tickets;
The extension of the 5-day Flex Pass on mTicket through June 30, 2021. The 5-day Flex Pass is a bundled Commuter Rail fare good for any 5 days of travel within a 30-day period; and
The extension of the Lynn Zone 1A Pilot through June 30, 2021. The Lynn Zone 1A Pilot allows travel from Lynn and Riverworks Commuter Rail Stations using a Zone 1A fare in order to provide additional travel options for North Shore customers and ease crowding on nearby bus routes.