The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is considering lowering fares for residents in certain neighborhoods in the state of Massachusetts.
A document proposing a 50% reduction was presented to the board of directors of the Massachusetts public transportation organization in January.
The board will make a decision on the validity of this proposal in March.
If approved, this measure will take effect in the summer of 2024, according to MBTA officials.
To be eligible, potential beneficiaries must reside in neighborhoods considered disadvantaged and have an annual income below a certain threshold.
The new program will receive support from the Healey-Driscoll administration, which will allocate $5 million in funding for the fiscal year 2024/2025 budget.
Dorchester, Mattapan, and Roxbury, considered the poorest neighborhoods in the state of Massachusetts, are expected to be the first beneficiaries.
The majority of residents in these areas live below the poverty line according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Residents of commonly known “gateway cities” will also be eligible to participate in the program.
Residents eligible for the MassHealth health program and other public assistance aged 26 to 64 are expected to be automatically qualified. However, they must still fill out an application if the program is approved by the MBTA board of directors.
The program will be implemented in collaboration with community leaders to ensure the participation of as many people as possible, according to MBTA officials at a press conference on Monday. Several transportation lines to and from Mattapan, Dorchester, and Roxbury are already free thanks to a program implemented by the city of Boston.
The Healey administration is committed to doing everything possible to ensure the adoption of the program, which will stimulate the state’s economy, according to a statement from Governor Maura Healey’s office.
Currently, consultations are underway to gather public feedback before the MBTA board of directors votes on March 28th.