University Pass Program

How the Program Works

The MBTA is launching a two-year pilot program to collect and evaluate data on how college and university students use MBTA passes. With usage-based pricing, schools can pay for students at a lower rate.

The program is divided into two one-year terms. The first year is priced based on estimated current student ridership data. The second year is priced using data collected from the first. We will negotiate costs upfront before each term of the program begins.

College and universities will propose a cohort of students to enroll in the program. Cohorts are enrolled in their entirety and may be based on a variety of criteria including:

• Enrollment status
• Degree or credential type
• Class year
• Campus or dorm location

Schools may not limit their student enrollment to students who opt-in or are known to be current MBTA riders. Students may be exempted if they are enrolled remotely, are on campuses outside of MBTA service areas or are studying abroad.

Once schools have been accepted into the program, they must provide the MBTA with the following:

• Total enrolled students
• Number of eligible student cohorts
• Number of students in eligible cohorts
• Number of non-eligible students
• Number of excluded students

The MBTA will provide fare media to cover your eligible student body, as well as any replacement cards.

Note: Due to unpredictable processing times, we are discouraging partners from using school ID chip integration for fare media.

Who is Eligible for the Program?

The MBTA is individually contacting colleges and universities for participation in the pilot program. Administrators of any Boston-area college or university may also apply by emailing pkelsey@mbta.com.