About the MBTA Youth Pass Program
The Youth Pass program is a partnership between the MBTA and participating cities or towns to offer reduced fares to young adults with low income.
Youth Pass CharlieCards can be loaded with cash value or monthly passes to use on the bus or subway. There is no discount on the Commuter Rail, Express Buses, or ferries.
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Eligibility
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Application Instructions
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How to Use Your Youth Pass
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More Information
Eligibility
You may be eligible for a Youth Pass if you live in Somerville and are either:
- Between 12 and 18 and not enrolled in middle or high school
- Between 18 and 25 and enrolled in at least one approved program
Approved programs include:
- State or federal benefit programs (like MassHealth or SNAP)
- Alternative education programs (like GED or HiSET)
- Job training or professional development programs (like Year Up or Roca)
Learn more about Youth Pass eligibility and approved programs here.
Note: Middle and high school students may be eligible for Student CharlieCards. College and university students may be eligible for Semester Passes.
Application Instructions
To confirm eligibility and apply for an MBTA Youth Pass, contact:
Jennifer Mancia
Community Services Manager
Health and Human Services
50 Evergreen Avenue
Somerville, MA 02145
[email protected]
617-625-6600 ext. 2406 (phone preferred)
Email or call to schedule an appointment.
Please note:
- Youth Pass CharlieCards expire on November 1 each year, regardless of when they were received, meaning you’ll need to go through the above steps to re-enroll each year.
- Submitting an application doesn’t guarantee eligibility.
How to Use Your Youth Pass
You can load cash value or monthly LinkPasses onto your Youth Pass CharlieCard. To pay your fare, simply tap your card on the fare box target at any fare gate or onboard fare box.
Add Cash Value
You can use your Youth Pass like a CharlieCard, and add cash value at any fare vending machine, onboard fare box, or at the CharlieCard Storeat Downtown Crossing.
When you tap your card to pay your fare, you will pay a reduced one-way rate.
Please note that you cannot add cash value to your card online.
Add Monthly Passes
You can add a monthly LinkPass to your Youth Pass for a reduced rate of $30.00 at any fare vending machine or at the CharlieCard Store at Downtown Crossing. LinkPasses are valid for unlimited travel on the subway and bus for 1 calendar month.
Please note that you cannot add monthly LinkPasses to your card online.
More Information
Learn more about the MBTA Youth Pass Partnership at https://www.mbta.com/fares/reduced/youth-pass.