Brockton Area Transit, city of Brockton join MBTA Youth Pass program

Brockton Area Transit (BAT) and the city of Brockton have joined the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Youth Pass program, which helps provide affordable transit access for young people with low income.  

The communities served by BAT are Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Hanson, Stoughton, Rockland, West Bridgewater and Whitman. 

“We’re incredibly pleased that Brockton and our partners at BAT have helped facilitate access to the Youth Pass, increasing our growing list of participating municipal partners in providing the Youth Pass’s benefits to so many eligible young people,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “Better access to transit is a critical component in increasing broad access to jobs and educational opportunities, and we’re so glad to see this option now provided to young adults in the Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Hanson, Stoughton, Rockland, West Bridgewater and Whitman communities.”    

The Youth Pass is a card that can be used by eligible young adults with low incomes to purchase roughly 50 percent reduced one-way fares and/or $10 7-Day LinkPasses or $30 monthly LinkPasses for the bus, subway and Commuter Rail 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-priced one-way fares and monthly passes for Commuter Rail, Express Bus and ferry. 

“The pass is designed to not only help young people get to school, jobs and around the city, but also to create future transit riders,” said BAT Administrator Michael Lambert. “A robust transportation network is key to supporting the current and future economic investment in Greater Brockton that will, in turn, benefit our customers, small businesses and major employers. BAT is pleased to be able to manage this program on behalf of all its member communities.” 

Young people residing in Brockton and the BAT service area who are interested in applying to the reduced-fare Youth Pass program should complete the Youth Pass online application. Approved applicants will receive their cards in the mail or can pick up their card at the BAT Center. 

“The Youth Pass program is a winner for the city of champions, and I am very proud to partner with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and Brockton Area Transit to deliver these reduced rates to our young residents,” said City of Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan. “Improving public transit, making it more affordable and accessible for all, and boosting ridership are all top priorities as we seek to create jobs, better connect our communities and reduce congestion to help in the climate change fight. With three commuter rail stations and regional bus service in Brockton, cutting these fares in half is a game changer for our young residents who rely on public transportation to get to work, visit family, go to restaurants, shops, hospitals, and travel.” 

To qualify for the Youth Pass, a young person must live in a participating city or town and either: 

• Be between 18- and 25-years old and enrolled in at least one of the following Youth Pass partner programs (college and university students may be eligible for Semester Passes): state or federal benefit program (e.g., MassHealth, SNAP, fuel assistance); alternative education program (e.g., high school equivalency degree programs); or job training or professional development program (e.g., Year Up, Roca).
• Be between 12- and 17-years old and not enrolled in middle or high school (students enrolled in middle or high school may receive a Student CharlieCard through their school). 
• The MBTA says it is excited for the city of Brockton and the communities within BAT’s service area to join the growing list of municipalities and community partners participating in the Youth Pass program.