Somerville to Offer M7 MBTA Passes to All Somerville Public Schools High School Students beginning This Fall

Today the MBTA and Somerville Public Schools (SPS) announced that all SPS high school students will be provided with M7 cards, or M7s, which are pre-loaded with monthly passes for the school year.

“We are excited to be partnering with the MBTA on providing all high school students in our district with M7 MBTA passes this year. We appreciate the School Committee’s, City Council’s, and Mayor Curtatone’s support and approval of this critical resource for students,” said Mary Skipper, Superintendent of the Somerville Public Schools. “As we continue to expand learning and opportunities for all students, it’s important that we also eliminate barriers to access, such as lack of transportation. This program is another step in ensuring that all students are able to access the opportunities, programs, and services they need to succeed.”

“The MBTA is pleased to partner with the City of Somerville in offering M7s to Somerville’s high schoolers,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “Providing completely unlimited travel during the school year on all subway lines, all buses routes, and Zones 1A, 1, and 2 on the Commuter Rail, M7s are an excellent benefit that allow students to travel to their classes, after-school activities, and more at no cost to the student or their family. We appreciate Somerville joining our roster of cities, towns, and schools offering this vital benefit to their students.”

The M7s will be provided to approximately 1,400 Somerville High School and Full Circle students for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year. The M7s are pre-loaded with monthly passes for September through June as part of a budget line approved by the City Council/School Committee in July 2021.

M7s are good for unlimited travel on the subway, Local or Express buses, and Commuter Rail Zones 1A, 1, and 2 from September through June. During July and August, M7s offer the same discounts as S-Cards – reduced (roughly 50% off) one-way fares or $30 monthly passes for unlimited travel on the subway and Local or Express buses as well as half-price one-way Commuter Rail and ferry tickets – though students or their families must add value to the cards.

The MBTA collaborates with municipalities and middle and high schools in the region to offer students year-round discounted MBTA fares for the bus, subway, Commuter Rail, and ferry. Through the MBTA’s Student Pass Program, schools may sign up to provide cards and have families pay for them via the S-Card, or schools can cover the cost via the M7 card. Other cities, towns, and schools interested in providing discounted fares to their students can learn more by visiting mbta.com.