MWRTA Launches New Fare Collection System May 1, 2023

In full transparency, the following is a press release from the MWRTA

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FRAMINGHAM – In May, the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) will resume fare collection on all transit services, following three years of suspended fare collection due to COVID-19. The new fare collection system will enable more convenient and accessible payment options, faster boarding times, and more efficient data collection by the MWRTA.

Effective Monday, May 1, 2023, MWRTA will launch the new fare system on Fixed Route and Catch Connect (MicroTransit) services, and resume regular fare collection on Demand Response services.

MWRTA will no longer accept payments through CharlieCards, and will instead introduce a new card called the “CatchCard” which will be integrated with the MWRTA Catch App. Fare boxes on all Fixed Route vehicles have been replaced with new card validators and cash collection boxes. Fixed Route riders will be able to pay with their MWRTA CatchCard, or pay with exact cash.

Riders will be able to add funds to their CatchCard directly through the Catch App, eliminating the need to load cash while on-boarding, reducing boarding time. Riders that wish to load their CatchCard using cash may do so at the MWRTA Central Hub, located at 15 Blandin Ave. in Framingham, but may no longer do so on-board the vehicle.

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Riders will also have the option to purchase a discounted Fixed Route monthly pass, providing a more cost-effective fare option. Monthly passes can be purchased for a significantly reduced flat rate, allowing riders to take unlimited trips on Fixed Route vehicles for a 31-day period from the date of purchase. Passes may be used for a 31-day period, or riders can opt for an automatic renewal. Monthly passes will cost $20.00 for an adult, or $10.00 for riders that qualify for a Reduced Fare CatchCard. Fare prices for the Fixed Route service will remain unchanged from pre-COVID; $1.50 with cash or $1.25 with CatchCard for adults, $0.75 cash for seniors or individuals with disabilities, $0.70 with a Reduced Fare CatchCard, and $1.00 cash for students with a current student ID. Individuals will be able to replace their MBTA TAP CharlieCard (Senior or Disabled pass) with a new Reduced Fare CatchCard. Riders who qualify can visit the MWRTA Central Hub to receive a Reduced Fare CatchCard – visit www.mwrta.com/fares for an application and additional details.

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Individuals with a CharlieCard that still contains funds may bring it to the MWRTA Central Hub and receive a new CatchCard with matching funds loaded on it – MWRTA will not provide refunds on CharlieCards. Fares for Catch Connect service will be paid directly through the Catch App and are fixed at $2.00 per one-way
trip. After booking a trip through the app, the fare will be deducted from the users account once the trip is completed. Riders who book Catch Connect trips over the phone will set up a debit account with MWRTA and pre-load funds onto the account. Please call (508) 283-5083 to set up an account.

Full details of the new fare system will be available at www.mwrta.com/fares. MWRTA will also provide step-by-step guides on how to use the new CatchCard and Catch App for payments. Individuals with additional questions can email info@mwrta.com.

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