MBTA considering new fare proposals ahead of all-electronic payments

BOSTON — For most transit lines, the MBTA has had a fixed set of fares, but when it moves to an all-electronic payment system in a few years the agency is considering staggered fares or fares based on what time you travel.

Among the proposed changes agency officials are considering:

• Time of day pricing: They say this would encourage ridership during off-peak hours.
• Distance-based pricing: Fares based on how long or short your trip is.
• Reduced fares: For trains with low ridership -- like those in the middle of the day or traveling against rush-hour traffic.

Transit advocates are concerned about the idea of charging more based on distance isn’t fair to low-income workers because many live farther away from the city because of high housing prices closer to Boston.

>> Hatchet-wielding MBTA trolley operator charged with attacking two men

They also say higher prices during rush hour isn’t fair to service-industry workers who have set hours and less flexibility.

These are all just proposals and no changes or decisions will be made until the new all-electronic fare collection system is in place, and that won’t be until 2021. The T is already planning a fare increase next year.

>> MBTA Commuter Rail delays fare gates until 2021

Cox Media Group