[Massachusetts-NFB] MBTA changes

[Debbie Malone]

Hi all,
To alleviate some confusion, I am giving you information about MBTA
changes.
1. Income-eligible reduced fares, including for the RIDE
2. The Blind Access Pass
3. Companion rider status

*Income Eligible Reduced Fares*


*New! Expanded Eligibility for Reduced MBTA Fares. See if you qualify.*

*New Reduced-fare Options for Income-eligible Riders*
The MBTA has expanded access to reduced fares for income-eligible riders,
offering half-off regular fares on Commuter Rail, Subway, Bus, Ferry,
Express Bus, and The RIDE.

   - Applying online is simple, fast, and easy on your phone, computer, or
   tablet.
   - Checking eligibility is quick, so getting approvals can happen in
   minutes.
   - Apply online in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese,
   Haitian, or Vietnamese.

If you are 18-64, participating in one of these accepted state or federal
benefit programs, and not covered by another MBTA reduced fare program,*
you may be newly eligible for this benefit.
 Department of Transitional Assistance

   - Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled & Children (EAEDC)
   - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
   - Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)

MassHealth

   - Limited Plus Children's Medical Security Plan (CMSP)
   - MassHealth CarePlus
   - MassHealth Family Assistance
   - MassHealth Limited
   - MassHealth Standard

MASSGrant
To apply online, you will need your driver's license, state ID, or Mass
Liquor ID for your RMV ID number or other government-issued photo
identification. The system will check your eligibility automatically. If
approved, your reduced fare CharlieCard will be mailed to your home. You
will need to apply to renew every year.

*Note: *If you don't qualify, you may be eligible for one of our other
reduced fare programs
<https://mbta.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d69747d5fc9f30fa7321ea932&id=67035d384b&e=50b330a2f0>,
which offer discounted prices on bus, subway, Commuter Rail, and ferries.

*To* *learn* *more,* *visit* *MBTA.com/income eligible.*
<https://mbta.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d69747d5fc9f30fa7321ea932&id=67871c90f5&e=50b330a2f0>

*Qualifying RIDE customers who are currently enrolled in the TAP program
can switch to the income-eligible program. The income-eligible program
provides the same fixed route discounts as the TAP program, along with new
discounts on the RIDE.

*Qualifying RIDE customers who are currently enrolled in the Blind Access
program can also enroll in the income-eligible program in order to receive
reduced fares on the RIDE and continued free fares on the fixed route.
*Seniors 65+ now eligible for reduced fare on the Ride*
In addition to offering reduced fare to income-eligible riders between 18
and 64, the MBTA has expanded its reduced fare program for seniors (65+) to
include those traveling on the RIDE!

   - If you are an existing RIDE customer who turned 65 on or before
   September 4, 2024, and had your birthdate on file with the RIDE, your
   reduced fare eligibility auto-applied to your RIDE accounts.
   - Suppose you are an existing RIDE customer who turns 65 on or after
   September 4, 2024. In that case, you can apply for the Senior program
   <https://mbta.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d69747d5fc9f30fa7321ea932&id=1be17d2a4c&e=50b330a2f0>online
   or in person (at the Charlie Service Center or Mobility Center) and provide
   your RIDE ID number as part of the application process. Your reduced fare
   eligibility will then be automatically linked to your RIDE account after
   you are approved for the Senior program.
   - If you are already enrolled in the Senior program and weren't a RIDE
   customer before 9/4 or didn't have your birthdate on file with the RIDE,
   you must link your Senior card to your RIDE account using the form
   hosted on MBTA.com
   <https://mbta.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d69747d5fc9f30fa7321ea932&id=83c5a8c986&e=50b330a2f0>.
   You can get assistance completing that form by visiting the Charlie Service
   Center, Mobility Center, an ABCD location, or calling  617-222-4200


Once your account has been linked, you will not need your physical
CharlieCard to pay your RIDE fare. You can continue adding value to your
RIDE account and taking trips as usual, and the discount will be
automatically applied to all trips moving forward.

-- 
*Debbie Malone*

*National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts*

*Affiliate Second Vice President*

*At-Large Chapter President*

*National Federation of the Blind, National Writers Division Vice President*
*InclusionEducation.com <https://inclusioneducation.com/>*
Amazon Author Page <https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B07RVCRR5R>



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