THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 13, 2024 Page 11 PROGRAM | FROM PAGE 3 64 and have low income with reduced one-way and roundtrip fares of approximately 50% off on all MBTA buses, subway, Commuter Rail, ferries and paratransit (The RIDE) travel. This unlocks affordability for residents across the MBTA service area, including in the Gateway Cities. This expansion will be the first reduced fare program to include The RIDE. As part of this change, Senior users of The RIDE will also be eligible for half-priced fares on both Standard and Premium RIDE trips. “Equity in transportation is vital and income-eligible reduced fares mean we are supporting increased mobility access for all,” said Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “This is a proud moment for the MBTA as we make transit more affordable. Under the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the advocacy of Secretary Tibbits-Nutt, income eligible reduced fares are now a reality across all of our modes of travel…. On behalf of the many advocates who have championed this initiative, this is a giant step that allows the public we serve and those that rely on mass transportation an opportunity to use it, improving quality of life, boosting economic mobility, and connecting people and communities,” said MBTA General Manager/ CEO Phillip Eng. “One of Malden’s greatest strengths is public transit, and it just got stronger thanks to the Healey-Driscoll Administration expanding the low-fare program to include eligible riders who are aged 26-64 with reduced fares of approximately 50 percent,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “For many of our residents who depend on public transit in their daily lives this new initiative will create new opportunities such as furthering their education, going to work, or having more disposable income for their groceries and housing needs. Like many new initiatives, this one has been in the works for the last decade, HOMEOWNERSHIP | FROM PAGE 1 project,” said TND Executive Director Rafael Mares. This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid manner. The in-person meeting will be held at Malden City Hall (215 Pleasant St.) in Conference Room but it wasn’t until the HealeyDriscoll Administration not only prioritized it but allocated sufficient funding has it become a reality. Thank you to them and everyone involved with this great announcement!” The online application is simple and can be completed in English, Spanish, Portuguese, simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Haitian Creole or Vietnamese. The launch also includes the availability of in-person support at five locations around the MBTA service area in partnership with ABCD and the Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) network. An additional 31 locations will become available for service during fall 2024. Riders can apply online at mbta.com/income-eligible. Program participants can demonstrate eligibility via existing enrollment in programs with a cutoff of 200 percent of the federal poverty level (or lower), including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Transitional Assistance for Families and Dependent Children (TAFDC), Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled & Children (EAEDC), MassHealth CarePlus, MassHealth Family Assistance, MassHealth Limited, MassHealth Standard and MASSGrant. As part of the program launching tomorrow, RIDE customers enrolled in the Senior or income-eligible reduced fare programs will also be able to use an online form to link their reduced fare eligibility to their RIDE accounts and receive a discounted rate on Standard or Premium RIDE trips. Additionally, young people with low income already enrolled in the Youth Pass will be guided to enroll in the new program with the Youth Pass program discontinued on October 31. The MBTA is committed to providing reliable, accessible transportation to all and is implementing this new, expanded reduced-fare eligibility that will make all MBTA transportation modes available and affordable to income-eligible individuals. For more info, visit mbta. 105, which is located on the first floor. Please register for this meeting at https://form.jotform.com/242405614493051 – a Zoom link will be shared after registration. More info about this project is available at cityofmalden. org/272cross Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/ Advocate.news.ma com/income-eligible Statements of support from Malden legislators: State Senator Jason Lewis (D-Fifth Middlesex): “This is another fantastic accomplishment made possible by new revenue from the Fair Share Amendment. This reduced fare program will make traveling around greater Boston more accessible and affordable. We will continue to take steps to make the cost of living more affordable for all in the Commonwealth.” State Representative Paul Donato (D-35th Middlesex): “The launch of the reduced fare program for eligible MBTA riders marks a historic step in making public transportation more affordable and accessible for all that live in the Commonwealth. This program will not only assist low-income riders, but it will also promote a greater equity in our public transportation system. It will further ensure that all residents will have the opportunity to travel the state using the MBTA. Thank you to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, General Manager Eng and Secretary Tibbits-Nutt.” State Representative Steven Ultrino (D-33rd Middlesex): “This expansion to the MBTA’s reduced fare program takes us another step closer to fare equity and will greatly improve access to public transit for low-income riders across our Commonwealth, especially in Gateway Cities. I am also excited to witness the MBTA’s collaboration with ABCD, a community organization that has been a longtime community partner in Malden. Working with ABCD and MASSCAP physical locations, this program ensures that all eligible riders can access affordable and reliable public transit. Thank you again Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, General Manager Eng, and Secretary Tibbits-Nutt for highlighting this initiative on the ground in Malden today!” State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D-32nd Middlesex): “I am excited to see the implementation of the MBTA’s income-eligible reduced fare program. I proudly joined the legislature in supporting this program through our appropriation to the MBTA’s operating budget and through revenue generated from the Fair Share Amendment. With public transportation so critical for the 32nd Middlesex District, this greater access to ridership will empower families to access public transit, make our communities healthier, and aid the Commonwealth in meeting state climate goals.”
12 Publizr Home