Affordable, Flexible, and Easier Transit Is on the Way
Beginning this fall, the MBTA is launching several new fare pilot programs designed to make public transportation more affordable, flexible, and convenient for riders across Massachusetts. While these initiatives will benefit transit users throughout the region, they are especially welcome news for residents, workers, students, and visitors in Allston-Brighton.
As one of Boston’s most transit dependent neighborhoods, Allston-Brighton relies heavily on local bus routes, the Green Line B Branch, and the Worcester Commuter Rail. These new fare programs have the potential to reduce transportation costs, simplify travel, and encourage more people to choose public transit over driving.
Unlimited Two-Hour Transfers Begin September 1
The most significant change begins September 1, 2026, when riders will be able to make unlimited transfers between MBTA buses, subways, and ferries within a two-hour period while paying only the highest fare during that time.
Imagine a typical neighborhood outing:
- Ride the Route 57 bus into Brighton Center.
- Visit the Brighton Branch Library.
- Enjoy lunch or coffee at a local café.
- Shop at neighborhood businesses.
- Return home.
As long as all travel occurs within two hours, you’ll pay just one fare.
Great News for Local Bus Riders
Thousands of Allston-Brighton residents rely every day on Routes 51, 57, 64, 65, 66, and 86 for commuting to work, attending school, visiting medical appointments, shopping locally, and participating in community events. The new transfer policy makes bus-to-subway connections simpler, more convenient, and more affordable.
Better Connections Along the Green Line
The Green Line B Branch remains the backbone of public transportation in Allston-Brighton. Stations including Boston College, South Street, Chestnut Hill Avenue, Chiswick Road, Sutherland Road, Washington Street, and Warren Street will all benefit from easier transfers under the new fare structure.
Free Transit for Eligible Seniors
A new pilot program will provide free MBTA travel for qualifying Massachusetts residents age 75 and older who no longer drive. The initiative is expected to improve access to medical care, grocery shopping, social activities, and community services while helping older adults remain active and connected.
Continued Savings on Commuter Rail
The MBTA is extending two popular programs:
- 50% off monthly Commuter Rail passes
- $1 Weekend Companion Fare
These discounts will continue benefiting riders traveling through Boston Landing and commuters connecting Allston-Brighton with communities throughout Greater Boston.
Express Bus Fare Reductions
Participating express bus routes will see fares reduced to the local bus fare. While these routes do not directly serve most of Allston-Brighton, the program reflects the MBTA’s broader effort to simplify and lower transit costs across the system.
Better Bus Network Improvements Continue
The MBTA’s Better Bus Network redesign continues to improve service frequency, reliability, and connections throughout Greater Boston. Future phases are expected to bring additional improvements to several routes serving Allston-Brighton.
Challenges Still Remain
While these fare initiatives are a positive step forward, transportation challenges continue throughout the neighborhood. Residents regularly experience:
- Green Line crowding
- Traffic congestion on Commonwealth Avenue and Brighton Avenue
- Bus delays during peak travel periods
Lower fares improve affordability, but continued investment in service reliability, frequency, and infrastructure remains essential.
Green Line Improvements Continue This Summer
Alongside the new fare initiatives, the MBTA is continuing important infrastructure upgrades across the Green Line. According to State Senator Will Brownsberger, ongoing signal modernization and accessibility improvements are designed to improve long-term reliability, safety, and accessibility.
What Allston-Brighton Riders Should Know
- Green Line B Branch service will experience temporary disruptions during portions of August while crews complete signal upgrades in the central subway.
- During the August 1–2 work period, shuttle buses will operate between Babcock Street and Back Bay, and Route 57 buses will be fare-free to help riders travel through the corridor.
- Green Line C Branch riders should expect temporary station bypasses as accessibility improvements continue at Summit Avenue and Brandon Hall.
- Free shuttle buses and designated fare-free transfer points will be available during major construction periods.
Why These Improvements Matter
Although construction can temporarily affect travel, these investments are designed to modernize aging infrastructure, improve reliability, enhance accessibility, and create a more dependable transit system for residents, employees, students, and visitors.
Together with the new fare pilots, these projects represent meaningful progress toward a stronger public transportation network.
Why Transit Matters to Brighton Main Streets
Reliable, affordable transportation is one of the strongest drivers of a healthy local economy. Every day, transit helps customers reach Brighton Center, Oak Square, Boston Landing, neighborhood restaurants, small businesses, community organizations, and local events.
When people can travel more easily and affordably, they are more likely to shop locally, dine out, attend community events, and support the businesses that make Allston-Brighton a vibrant place to live and work.
Looking Ahead
Brighton Main Streets welcomes these fare pilots as an important step toward making public transportation more affordable and accessible. At the same time, we recognize that improving transit also requires continued investment in reliability, safety, accessibility, and service frequency.
We will continue to monitor these initiatives, advocate for the transportation needs of our neighborhood, and keep residents and businesses informed as new improvements are announced. Together, we can help build a transportation system that better serves everyone who lives, works, studies, and visits Allston-Brighton.
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