New MBTA fare pilot programs begin Tuesday

BOSTON — Two of the new MBTA fare pilot programs begin on Tuesday.

The first of the two programs is the Expanded 2-hour ‘Unlimited’ Transfer Window.

Previously, subway and bus riders could transfer only twice within a two-hour window and pay the cost of the highest-priced service.

With the expanded 2-hour “unlimited” transfers pilot, riders will pay the highest fare incurred during the window when taking subway, bus, or ferry trips.

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Riders can now make an unlimited number of transfers during the period, as long as they use the same form of payment.

The second program eliminated higher express bus fares.

Local bus fare will be charged for any MBTA bus.

This pilot does not apply to the Silver Line (SL) routes.

The MBTA will evaluate the fare pilots in winter 2026-27.

All fare pilot programs will last a maximum of six months. To extend the pilots or implement permanent fare changes, the MBTA will need to undergo an extensive FTA-regulated Fare Change process.

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