[Massachusetts-NFB] MBTA changes

Wed Oct 2 02:05:39 UTC 2024

Hi
Sharon sent out the information about the income-eligible reduced fares
just a little while ago. I am still waiting to hear back from the MBTA
about the companion riding for free when you have a blind access pass.. I
will send out another email once I get that confirmation.

*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>

On Tue, Oct 1, 2024 at 10:02 PM Kristina Constant <
kristinaconstant66 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Debbie, I only see information on reduced fares. Thanks, kristinaSent
> from my iPhone
>
> On Oct 1, 2024, at 9:35 PM, Debbie Malone via Massachusetts-NFB <
> massachusetts-nfb at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> 
>
> 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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