The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Town of Acton are pleased to announce that Acton has joined the T’s Youth Pass program, which helps provide affordable transit access for young people.

“We’re pleased to see Acton partner with us on the Youth Pass program and offer the Youth Pass’s benefits to eligible young people,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “The Youth Pass provides discounted fares to eligible young people with half-off one-way fares and monthly passes for just $30. 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 Acton community.”   

“We are excited to partner with the MBTA to provide this benefit to the Acton community making it easier and more affordable for our students and younger workers to utilize public transportation,” said Acton Town Manager John S. Mangiaratti.

The Youth Pass is a card that can be used by eligible young adults with low incomes to purchase roughly 50% 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-price one-way fares and monthly passes for Commuter Rail, Express Bus, and ferry.

Young people residing in Acton who are interested in applying to the reduced fare Youth Pass program should complete the Youth Pass online application available at mbta.com/youthpass/apply. Approved applicants will receive their cards in the mail or can pick up their card at the Acton Town Manager’s Office located at 472 Main Street in Acton.

In order to qualify for the Youth Pass, a young person must live in 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):
  • Alternative education program (e.g., high school equivalency degree programs);
  • Job training or professional development program (e.g., Year Up, Roca);
  • State or federal benefit program (e.g., MassHealth, SNAP, fuel assistance);
• 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).

Interested residents may contact the visit mbta.com/youthpass or contact the Town Manager's Office for additional information.