A new poll released by MassINC found widespread support for reduced fares on the T, but the switch could cost the agency between $52-$85 million annually and further impact a budget already heavily dependent on fare revenue.
Poll results show that 84% of Massachusetts residents favor discounted fares for low-income residents, and 78% support making public buses free to ride.
Support for low-income fares has increased by 5% from a similar poll conducted in December, according to The MassINC Polling Group, which surveyed 1,002 residents between June 8-12.
“At a time when concerns about gas prices and other costs are on the rise, these policies would help residents afford alternatives to driving gas-powered cars,” said Richard Parr, research director at MassINC.
A majority, or 70%, of respondents support increasing funding in the state budget for regional transit authorities to keep pace with inflation.
In February, the MBTA presented data that showed a reduced-fare program for low-income riders at 200% of the federal poverty level could cost the agency $52-$85 million annually, or as much as $112 million if additional operating services are needed to support ridership growth.
According to the T, pre-COVID fares historically accounted for about $700 million of the agency’s operating budget. Given the significant budget deficit the MBTA faces when its federal relief funding runs out in fiscal year 2024 — which is projected at $236 million — the agency said its ability to fund a reduced fare pilot or permanent program is limited.
Although an amendment put forward by state Rep. Adrian Madaro, D-East Boston — which would have required the MBTA to implement a low-income fare program — failed to be included in the House version of the transportation bond bill last week, the Senate remains interested.
Senate President Karen Spilka told the Boston Chamber last week that the Senate has added $2.5 million in its budget for regional transit authorities to explore opportunities for means-tested, discounted or fare-free pilot programs.
“Although I am disappointed the governor vetoed the Senate’s attempt to move forward on a low-income fare program at the T and the commuter rail last session, I am looking forward to continuing that conversation with my colleagues in the upcoming transportation bond bill currently moving through the Legislature,” Spilka said.
State Sen. Brendan Crighton, D-Lynn, who chairs the Joint Committee on Transportation, said he’s fully supportive of a reduced-fare program, and hopes to build a consensus in the Senate to pass it again.
“Our public transportation system is not going to work unless it works for everyone and that means making it affordable for all,” Crighton said. “Should this reach the governor’s desk, I hope he would consider it based on the great need to bring people back to public transit, and based on its popularity.”