Ways To Get Around Traffic

Have you heard/ seen the lane restrictions on the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) and I-95 (Route 128) interchange on the Weston and Newton border?  Traffic on all on- and off- ramps in this area will be reduced to a single lane in each direction as the MassDOT bridgework ($230 million MassDOT project will replace and repair eight bridges over the roadways) is underway - 4 YEARS.
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Don’t fret, take public transportation!

New Reduced-fare Options for Income-eligible Riders
The MBTA has expanded access to reduced fares for income-eligible riders, offering half-off regular fares on Commuter Rail, Subway, Bus, Ferry, Express Bus, and The RIDE.

• Applying online is simple, fast, and easy on your phone, computer, or tablet.
• Checking eligibility is quick, so getting approvals can happen in minutes.
• Apply online in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Haitian, or Vietnamese.

If you are 18-64, participating in one of these accepted state or federal benefit programs, and not covered by another MBTA reduced fare program,* you may be newly eligible for this benefit.

Department of Transitional Assistance

• Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled & Children (EAEDC)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)

MassHealth

• Limited Plus Children's Medical Security Plan (CMSP)
• MassHealth CarePlus
• MassHealth Family Assistance
• MassHealth Limited
• MassHealth Standard

MASSGrant
To apply online, you will need your driver's license, state ID, or Mass Liquor ID for your RMV ID number or other government-issued photo identification. The system will check your eligibility automatically. If approved, your reduced fare CharlieCard will be mailed to your home. You will need to apply to renew 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 ferries.

To learn more, visit MBTA.com/income eligible.
*Qualifying RIDE customers who are currently enrolled in the TAP program can switch to the income-eligible program. The income-eligible program provides the same fixed route discounts as the TAP program, along with new discounts on the RIDE.
*Qualifying RIDE customers who are currently enrolled in the Blind Access program can also enroll in the income-eligible program in order to receive reduced fares on the RIDE and continued free fares on the fixed route.
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Seniors 65+ now eligible for reduced fare on the Ride
In addition to offering reduced fare to income-eligible riders between 18 and 64, the MBTA has expanded its reduced fare program for seniors (65+) to include those traveling on the RIDE!

• If you are an existing RIDE customer who turned 65 on or before September 4, 2024, and had your birthdate on file with the RIDE, your reduced fare eligibility auto-applied to your RIDE accounts.
  
  
• Suppose you are an existing RIDE customer who turns 65 on or after September 4, 2024. In that case, you can apply for the Senior program online or in person (at the Charlie Service Center or Mobility Center) and provide your RIDE ID number as part of the application process. Your reduced fare eligibility will then be automatically linked to your RIDE account after you are approved for the Senior program.
  
  
• If you are already enrolled in the Senior program and weren't a RIDE customer before 9/4 or didn't have your birthdate on file with the RIDE, you must link your Senior card to your RIDE account using the form hosted on MBTA.com. You can get assistance completing that form by visiting the Charlie Service Center, Mobility Center, an ABCD location, or calling  617-222-4200

Once your account has been linked, you will not need your physical CharlieCard to pay your RIDE fare. You can continue adding value to your RIDE account and taking trips as usual, and the discount will be automatically applied to all trips moving forward.

Plus, Tap to Ride, the contactless payment method is now available.
Other MBTA Green Line Scoop:
Green Line D branch service will be suspended during the following weekends in the following locations: 
·       October 5 – 6: Between Kenmore and Newton Highlands.

• Free and accessible shuttle bus service will make stops between Kenmore and Newton Highlands.
• Riders should also note that fare gates will be open at Riverside and fares will not be charged onboard trolleys between Riverside and Newton Highlands.
• Riders do not need to tap when boarding these trolleys during this weekend.

·       October 19 – 20:  Between Riverside and Brookline Hills.

• Free and accessible shuttle bus service will make stops between Riverside and Brookline Hills.
• These weekend service changes are in place to perform signal work along the D Branch. Accessibility upgrade work will also be advanced at Waban, Eliot, Beaconsfield, and Chestnut Hill.