Town of Brookline Joins MBTA Youth Pass Program

Program is effective Monday, March 18, 2019

The MBTA and the Town of Brookline are pleased to announce that Brookline has joined the T’s Youth Pass program, which helps provide affordable transit access for low-income young people. Youth Passes will be distributed from Brookline Town Hall beginning on Monday, March 18, 2019.

“The MBTA is pleased to partner with Brookline to offer this important program to eligible young people,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “Enhancing access to transportation creates new opportunities to connect with jobs and education. We are excited to expand the program and provide this benefit to even more young people.”

Distributed through municipal and community partners, the Youth Pass is a card that can be used at MBTA Fare Vending Machines or at retail sales locations to purchase a reduced-price Monthly LinkPass for $30. Stored value can also be added to cards for Youth Pass users to ride the MBTA bus and subway system at a reduced one-way fare.

Neil Wishinsky, Chair of the Brookline Select Board stated that, “Partnering with the MBTA to offer the Youth Pass in Brookline was an easy decision for the Select Board because it addresses transportation equity issues for low-income Brookline residents aged 18 to 25 by improving their access to job training, educational opportunities, and employment throughout the region via affordable public transportation.”

Chris Dempsey, Chair of the Brookline Transportation Board, stated that, “Brookline values sustainable, efficient, and accessible transportation. The MBTA's Green Line and buses are critical to making our community work. We are proud to be the latest municipality to offer the MBTA Youth Pass, which will make public transportation easier to use for the next generation of our workforce.”

Representative Tommy Vitolo stated that, “The Youth Pass program makes riding the T affordable for young women and men, including non-traditional students. It’s easy for young people to use, and furthers community values including social and economic justice, public education, and the environment.”

Young people residing in Brookline interested in applying for the reduced-fare Youth Pass should visit the Transportation Division office on the 4th floor of Brookline Town Hall located at 333 Washington Street. Office hours are Monday – Thursday, 8 AM – 5 PM and Friday, 8 AM – 12:30 PM.

The MBTA is excited for the Town of Brookline to become the 10th municipality to join the growing list of community partners that participate in the Youth Pass program. Other participating communities include Arlington, Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Malden, the North Shore Community College, Quincy, Revere, and Somerville.

Cities and towns interested in joining the program are encouraged to email youthpass@mbta.com for information on how to begin the process.

In order to qualify for the Youth Pass, a young person must:

Live in a participating city or town;
Be between 12 and 18 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);
Be between 18 and 25 years old and enrolled in an accepted GED, job training, or state or federal benefit program.

For full information regarding the Youth Pass and eligibility, please visit mbta.com/youthpass or connect with the T on Twitter @MBTA.