Town of Wakefield Joins MBTA Youth Pass Program

The MBTA and the Town of Wakefield are pleased to announce that Wakefield has joined the T’s Youth Pass program, which helps provide affordable transit access for young people with low-income. Youth Pass cards are being distributed from the Town Administrator’s office in Wakefield’s Town Hall located at 1 Lafayette Street.

“The MBTA is excited to partner with Wakefield in offering the Youth Pass to eligible young people,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “Increasing access to the MBTA’s transit services provides young people with critical connections to economic and education opportunities, and we’re pleased to see the benefits of this program continue to benefit so many.”

“I’m really proud Wakefield is among the growing list of municipalities providing this option to residents,” said Town Council Chair Julie Smith-Galvin. “Affordable transportation can be a barrier to young people meeting their potential. By partnering with the MBTA and taking on the minimal administration required to participate, we are able to open up new opportunities for Wakefield youth. I hope all who qualify will take advantage.”

Distributed through municipal and community partners, 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 or $30 monthly LinkPasses for the bus, subway, and Fairmount Line 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 for Commuter Rail, Express Bus, and ferry.

Young people residing in Wakefield that are interested in applying to the reduced fare Youth Pass program should complete Wakefield’s online application.

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

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 at least one of the following MBTA-approved 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).

The MBTA is excited for the Town of Wakefield to join the growing list of municipalities and community partners participating in the Youth Pass program. Other participating communities include Arlington, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Lexington, Malden, Medford, the North Shore, Quincy, Revere, Somerville, and Watertown. Cities or towns interested in joining the program are encouraged to email youthpass@mbta.com for information on how to begin the process.