Boston is set to expand fare-free program to three routes in March

The city of Boston will expand its fare-free program starting March 1 to three Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) bus routes following the successful pilot program on Route 28. With the program’s expansion, Route 28 will remain fare-free for two years and will be joined by Routes 23 and 29.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is working to “make public transit a public good.” The city is using $8 million in American Rescue Plan funds to make the two-year fare-free program a reality.

“Expanding fare-free transit to Routes 23, 28, 29 will better connect our communities, increase ridership and ease congestion for all our residents,” said Mayor Wu. “As we work to ensure every resident knows about the program, we hope this is just the beginning of access to fare-free public transit in Boston. I'm thrilled to partner with the MBTA to expand this successful ongoing program and look forward to working with our partners across the commonwealth to build a sustainable, reliable, accessible and affordable transportation system that truly serves our residents and our local economy.”

The city explains Routes 23, 28 and 29 all travel through and along Blue Hill Avenue, serve a diverse ridership and provide connections to communities underserved by the existing network. Additionally, the routes have some of the highest ridership throughout the city. ............(more)

https://www.masstransitmag.com/technology/fare-collection/article/21256519/boston-is-set-to-expand-farefree-program-to-three-routes-in-march