State officials announced youth from Watertown can receive discount passes to ride the MBTA buses and trains through the Youth Pass program.
The program is aimed at people between age 12 and 25 who are not enrolled in school or college (they already qualify for passes for school or college students). Students over 18 must be enrolled in an alternative education program (such as GED), a job training program, or a federal benefit program, including MassHealth and SNAP.
The passes are available from the Wayside Watertown Multi-Service Center, located at 127 North Beacon St. in Watertown. Those interested should apply at Wayside.
See more details in the announcement provided by the MBTA:
The MBTA and the Town of Watertown are pleased to announce that Watertown has joined the T’s Youth Pass program, which helps provide affordable transit access for low-income young people. Youth Passes are being distributed from the Wayside Watertown Multi-Service Center, which is part of the Wayside Youth & Family Support Network.
“The MBTA is pleased to partner with Watertown in offering the Youth Pass to eligible young people,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “Increasing access to transit provides young people with important connections to economic and education opportunities, and we’re excited that this program, which benefits so many, continues to grow.”
“I only recently learned about this program, from a Watertown resident attending community college,” said Watertown Senior Transportation Planner Laura Wiener. “What a great way to support young people just getting launched in life, while also supporting transit, which reduces congestion and improves air quality.”
“It’s a win-win for the Town,” said Watertown Assistant Town Manager Steve Magoon. “We thank our partners, the MBTA and Wayside, for helping the Town get this program established and under way.”
“We are pleased to be selected as the site where young adults in Watertown can come to receive a Youth Pass to ride the MBTA at a reduced rate,” said Multi-Service Center Senior Program Director Laura Kurman. “The Multi-Service Center promotes healthy decision-making among children and teens by assisting them in developing strong, positive relationships with caring adults, educating them about the dangers of substance use, providing mental health counseling, and access to extracurricular activities. The Youth Pass is a valuable addition to the services we offer at the Multi and in Watertown to promote wellness in our community.”
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 fare 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. (Note: The Youth Pass is not valid for use on the Commuter Rail, ferries, or express bus service. Customers are encouraged to learn more about other fare products that include the Commuter Rail’s mTicket.)
Young people residing in Watertown interested in applying for the reduced fare Youth Pass should visit the Wayside Watertown Multi-Service Center located at 127 North Beacon Street in Watertown.
The MBTA is excited for the Town of Watertown 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, and Somerville.
Cities or 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 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 accepted programs (college and university students may be eligible for Semester Passes):
- Alternative education program (e.g., GED, HiSET);
- Job training or professional development program (e.g., Year Up, Roca);
- State or federal benefit program (e.g., MassHealth, SNAP).
For full information regarding the Youth Pass, visit mbta.com/youthpass-eligibility, or connect with the T on Twitter @MBTA, Facebook /TheMBTA, or Instagram @theMBTA.