Over 500 Users Successfully Enrolled on First Day of MBTA Car-Free Seniors Pilot Program

The MBTA today announced that 532 users were successfully enrolled in the MBTA's Car-Free Seniors Pilot Program yesterday, its first day of availability. The new initiative provides free MBTA service to Massachusetts residents age 75 and older who no longer drive, which includes free travel across MBTA bus, subway, ferry, and Commuter Rail services. More information about the pilot program is on the MBTA website.

"It's great to see more than 500 seniors sign up for free MBTA rides on the very first day of this program," said Governor Maura Healey. "Just because someone stops driving doesn't mean they should lose their independence or their ability to get where they need to go. This program is about making it easier and more affordable for older adults to stay connected to their communities, and we encourage all eligible seniors to sign up."

"I am pleased to see so many enroll on Day 1 in our new Car-Free Seniors Program, giving people who can no longer drive or choose not to drive the ability to still travel using mass transportation. This successful launch underscores how important access to safe, reliable, and affordable travel opportunities are to the public," said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. "Under the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we continue to prioritize upgrades and improvements in every area of our system, including new fare programs that keep people moving. Our senior riders are important to us, and I thank our new enrollees for trusting the MBTA as their preferred mode of travel for everywhere they need and want to go."

"At the Registry of Motor Vehicles, we are committed to empowering seniors with the resources they need to maintain their independence, dignity and connection to their communities. We're proud to partner and support the MBTA in helping participants explore their transportation options with confidence and obtain a Massachusetts ID (Mass ID). We look forward to continuing this partnership and support all of our Car Free Seniors in the days and weeks ahead," said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie.

How to Enroll in the Car-Free Seniors Pilot

1. Obtain a Massachusetts ID: Residents must have a Massachusetts ID card to participate in the pilot. A Massachusetts ID is an official form of identification that does not provide driving privileges. Residents who do not already have one can apply through the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Learn more on the RMV website.
   
   To apply for a Mass ID, complete the Registry of Motor Vehicles application.
   
2. Once you have a Mass ID or if an individual has one already, apply for the Car-Free Seniors free-fare credential.
   
   Online: Qualified residents who have a Mass ID and who want to be part of the pilot may obtain their free-fare credential by completing the application online. Applicants who use the online form will receive the credential via mail or can elect to pick up their credential in-person.
   
   In person: Seniors may also visit the Charlie Service Center to apply for the credential. The Charlie Service Center is located at 296 Washington Street between Milk Street and Water Street, is near State Street and Downtown Crossing stations, and is fully accessible. Riders who visit the Charlie Service Center for their free-fare credential will be able to obtain a temporary credential the day of their visit. A permanent credential will be mailed following the visit.

This summer, Governor Healey announced a series of new and extended MBTA affordability programs to lower costs and make public transportation more flexible and easier to use. The package included 50% off monthly Commuter Rail passes from September through November, an extension of the $1 Weekend Companion Fare, new two-hour unlimited transfer windows, the elimination of higher express bus fares, and the new Car-Free Seniors Pilot.

These affordability programs build on Governor Healey's broader work to make the MBTA safer, more reliable, and more affordable. Since taking office, her administration has eliminated slow zones, increased service, strengthened the MBTA workforce, and advanced major investments in tracks, signals, stations, and other infrastructure across the system.