The MBTA and the City of Newton's Youth Pass program helps provide affordable transit access for young people with low-income. 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.

To qualify, a young person must live in Newton 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)

To apply, fill out the Youth Pass online application available at mbta.com/youthpass/application. Approved applicants will receive their cards in the mail.

For full information regarding the Youth Pass, visit mbta.com/youthpass-eligibility.