About the MBTA Reduced Fare Program
The MBTA’s income-eligible reduced fare program offers reduced fares to riders between the ages of 18 – 64 who are enrolled in an approved state assistance program.
Income-eligible CharlieCards can be loaded with:
- Cash value for roughly 50% reduced one-way fares
- $10 7-Day LinkPasses
- $30 monthly LinkPasses
Your card can also be used to purchase reduced one-way fares and monthly passes for Commuter Rail, Ferry, and Express Bus.
Note: RIDE customers enrolled in the senior or income-eligible reduced fare programs can receive discounts on ADA/standard and Premium trips.
Get an Income-Eligible Reduced Fares Card
You may qualify for an income-eligible reduced fares card if you:
- Are a Massachusetts resident
- Have a government-issued ID
- Are between the ages of 18 and 64
- Are enrolled in one of the following state assistance programs:
- Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled & Children (EAEDC)
- MASSGrant
- MassHealth CarePlus
- MassHealth Family Assistance
- MassHealth Limited
- MassHealth Standard
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
You’ll need to renew your eligibility every year.
Note: If you don’t qualify, you may be eligible for one of our other reduced fare programs, which offer discounted prices on bus, subway, Commuter Rail and ferry.
You can visit CFC to apply in-person. You’ll need a government-issued ID that has a photo of you on it, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. Documents without a photo will not be accepted.
You’ll also need to show proof of enrollment in a state assistance program. You can use one of the following:
- A picture of your enrollment or benefits letter that shows your name and is dated within the last three months.
- A screenshot of your enrollment from the “My Enrollments” section of your Health Connector account or the “Benefits Detail” section of your DTA account. Make sure it shows your name and an active status.
- An award letter from MASSGrant or screenshot from the MassAid portal confirming your award. You can also use a financial aid letter from your school if MASSGrant is listed on it. Your document must be from the current (or most recent) academic year.
Note: In-person applications are not available at the Charlie Service Center.
Please contact Christine Boardman to setup an appointment:
christine.boardman@cfcinc.org • 508-679-0041 ext.727
