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The future of free rides on the MBTA

The future of free rides on the MBTA

The pilot program that allowed rides to be free on MBTA buses 23, 28 and 29 for the past two years ends on March 1. The effort to continue the pilot program is a flashpoint in the debate in Massachusetts over whether it makes sense to charge transit riders, particularly those who are financially struggling.

The Common · WBUR

January 31, 202412m 30s

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Show Notes

The pilot program that allowed rides to be free on MBTA buses 23, 28 and 29 for the past two years ends on March 1. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has pledged to find more money to keep those routes free. Meanwhile, the MBTA and the state are marching forward with a plan to create a subsidized fare system for low-income riders.

The effort to continue the pilot program is a flashpoint in the debate in Massachusetts over whether it makes sense to charge transit riders, particularly those who are financially struggling. Boston Globe transportation reporter Taylor Dolven joins The Common to discuss the future of transit fares in the city.

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