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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Mayor Michelle Wu and the MBTA's Phil Eng announced that they will be extending the city's fare-free transit program.
Initially, it was set up as a six month pilot between August of 2021 and the end of February of 2022, and it was only for Route 28. It was then extended an extra four years, keeping it going from March 2022 to the end of June 2026 and including routes 23 and 29. Now, the mayor's office has once again extended the program, allowing for free bus rides through the end of 2026.
“Fare-free buses are delivering results for residents—saving commuters money, easing traffic, and growing our economy by connecting Bostonians to work, fun, and family,” Mayor Wu said. “We’re proud to partner with the MBTA to extend this successful program as we continue building a more reliable, accessible, and affordable transportation system across Boston.”
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The mayor's office reported that riders have taken close to 23,000 fare-free trips in 2026 alone, which they say has cut down on "dwell times" by 20%, making the routes more efficient.
City evaluations have also reported that riders have saved around $20 a month. Costs have also been cut thanks to the MBTA's Income-Eligible Reduced Fare program.
The City anticipates working this summer and fall on options for the fare free program in 2027.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Mike Macklin reports: