Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022 MBTA Launches New Online Youth Pass Application T he new secure online application makes it fast, simple, and easy to apply for the Youth Pass Program online, and is available in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Portuguese. Online applications to be expanded to the MBTA’s other free and reduced fare programs in 2022. BOSTON – The MBTA announced this week the launch of the new digital Youth Pass application available online at mbta.com/youthpass/apply. “Providing young adults with more convenient access to this secure, easy-to-use application is another step in providing broader access to the MBTA’s system through the Youth Pass’s discounted fares and monthly passes,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “We continue to be excited to expand the reach of the Youth Pass through our municipal and community partnerships, and we’re proud to see the official launch of this online application, which we aim to expand to other reduced fare programs in 2022.” “With our industry-leading design and research process, we are able to deliver improvements like this to riders faster than ever – all while ensuring the tools we build are secure and accessible to everyone,” said MBTA Chief Digital Officer David Gerstle. “Truly a collaborative effort,” said City of Boston Department of Youth Engagement & Employment leadership. “As the largest Youth Pass municipal partner/administrator, we believe the development of the new MBTA online application could not have come at a more critical time for Boston’s eligible youth and young adult population. This new application allows us to streamline the Youth Pass application process and enhance our partnership with the MBTA to ensure we’re expanding our reach and always improving systems, processes and services for young people across the City of Boston to access this important resource.” The Youth Pass is a card that can be used by eligible young adults with low incomes to purchase roughly 50% reduced one-way fares or $30 monthly LinkPasses for the bus, subway, and Fairmount Line Zone 1A stations at MBTA Fare Vending Machines, the CharlieCard Store, fare boxes on buses and trolleys at street-level stops, or at retail sales locations. Youth Pass cards can also be used to purchase half-price one-way fares for Commuter Rail, Express Bus, and ferry. SCHOOL | FROM PAGE 1 through the cracks very easily,” he said, adding that there has been much confusion during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s a good level of transparency.” However, Lambert reminded her colleagues that the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) posts those certifications online. “This is all public information,” she said, adding that a significant number of emergency licenses have been issued throughout the pandemic. Lambert also said that reviewing certifications is a personnel matter. “This is going outside of our scope,” she said. However, Ward 4 School Committee Member Michael Mangan said the certification of senior administrators has been a top concern, particularly among parents at the Lafayette School. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with asking,” he said. “I wholeheartedly support this.” The committee voted 8-1 to revisit the matter on February 28 in executive session. COVID-19 update In other news, Tahiliani Previously, young adults were required to complete the application process in-person at the location of their local Youth Pass office, including bringing their eligibility documents and submitting a paper application form. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the MBTA prioritized and accelerated the creation and implementation of the online application process. Applicants can now apply to the program remotely and easily online from their home computer or mobile device without having to visit their local Youth Pass office in-person. Young adults residing in any participating municipalities can now simply visit mbta.com/youthpass/ apply to complete the online application, which is available in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Portuguese. Applicants can use the online application to upload their eligibility documents and select to have their Youth Pass card mailed or picked up from their local MBTA | SEE PAGE 18 said that from January 1-17, 473 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in children ages 0-19. “We had a huge spike in cases and that’s only the first half of January,” she said. By comparison, a combined total of 204 cases were reported during the last two months of 2021. Therefore, Tahiliani contacted DESE to ask about switching to hybrid or remote learning. However, she was told that Everett’s numbers were “on par” with other districts and that it was not necessary to deviate from in-person learning. Regarding vaccination rates, Tahiliani said 14 percent of students ages 5-11 have been fully vaccinated. This is in addition to 66 percent of students ages 12-15 and 71 percent of students ages 16-19. Everett High School cleaning service Tahiliani said the district received three bids from companies to provide overnight cleaning services at Everett High School. She said the job was ultimately awarded to MP Cleaning Services, which has previously been at the high school. Tahiliani said the cost of the cleaning service will be $27,000 per month.
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