Dear Riders,
  

We hope this email finds you well. As winter moves through New England, we continue our efforts to improve the accessibility of our MBTA system. Thank you for taking the time to read our February newsletter. Read on to learn more about:

• MBTA 2024 proposed fare changes
• February service changes
• Having the MBTA join your organization's resource fair
• Upcoming RTAG general meeting

2024 Proposed Fare Changes

The MBTA is proposing an expansion of reduced fare eligibility to riders with low income and other changes to our fares.
 
 The MBTA's new income-eligible program would improve fare affordability across all modes, including the RIDE, with 50% reduced one-way fares and passes. Riders 26-64 with low income would be eligible if they are enrolled in other programs such as SNAP and MassHealth and are not covered by existing reduced fares programs. Fixed-route users who are 65+ years of age are eligible for reduced fares today. Under this new proposal, RIDE users 65+ would also be eligible for reduced fares.
  
Learn more about existing reduced fares programs
 
 Other proposed changes include:

• Replacing change tickets with CharlieCards on buses and the Green and Mattapan lines
• Permanent $10 Holiday Weekend Passes

Share Your Feedback
 We're collecting public feedback to understand how these changes might affect riders. Your comments can help us ensure these new fare policies will benefit you.
 
 You can share your comments until February 29, 2024: 

• Email publicengagement@mbta.com
• Call (857) 327-3282 
• Mail to: Public Engagement Department
   10 Park Plaza, Suite 3830
   Boston, MA 02116

Learn more 

February Service Changes

As part of our ongoing effort to improve service reliability across the system, a number of service diversions will be occurring during the month of February. These service changes will take place on the  Red, Orange, Green, Fitchburg Commuter Rail, and Lowell Commuter Rail lines. The MBTA encourages riders to use alternative shuttle bus options available. All buses will be accessible. If you encounter any accessibility challenges during any of the diversions, please let us know by contacting 617-222-3200 (Relay users 711) or by filling out a feedback form.
  

A full list of service impacts is available on the MBTA website.

Taking our Show on the Road

 
 Improving and expanding outreach on accessible services at the MBTA is among our top priorities for 2024. Does your organization have an upcoming Open House or Resource Fair this year? Would you like representatives from System-Wide Accessibility or one of our peer departments to attend? We offer information for individuals and organizations on topics including:

• Accessibility at the MBTA, including assistance with reduced fare passes, planning accessible trips, and signing up for free travel training
• The RIDE paratransit service and the RIDE Flex program
• Other MBTA topics you would like to learn more about

 Over the last couple of months, we  attended the following in-person events: 

• Lynn Senior Center – Lynn Interim Station Opening Celebration
• Wakefield Council on Aging Resource Fair
• White Cane Day at the Statehouse
• Technology Fair at the Carroll Center for the Blind

And our professional travel trainers have presented to: 

• Chelsea High School
• Jewish Vocational Services
• Academy of the Pacific Rim
• Learning Prep School
• Lynn Senior Center Rediscovering Presentation

 
 
If you’re interested in having us at an upcoming event or want materials or further information, email us at publicengagement@mbta.com or call 617-222-3030 (Relay users: 711). 
 
 We look forward to collaborating with you!
   

R-TAG General Meeting

Date: Thursday, February 22, 2024
Time: 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Location: Via Zoom

Meeting ID: 882 0948 9721
 Passcode: 722237
 
 The Riders' Transportation Access Group (RTAG) is a customer organization with a mission to advise the MBTA on transportation issues that affect people with disabilities and older adults. Please join us for our upcoming general meeting.
 
 All RTAG meetings are accessible to people with disabilities and limited English proficiency. Real-time captioning (CART) and an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will be provided for this meeting. Other accessibility accommodations and language services will be provided free of charge upon request, as available.
 
To request reasonable accommodation or language services, please email rtagboston@bostoncil.org or call Kat at 978-893-8100 at least two weeks before the meeting.
 
Sign up for the R-TAG newsletter

Safe & Accessible Travels,
 
 The Department of System-Wide Accessibility