MWRTA To Launch New Fare Collection System in May

[broadstreet zone=”58610″]

FRAMINGHAM – In May 2022, the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) will resume fare collection on all transit services provided, following two 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 2, 2022, 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 “Catch Card” which will be integrated with the MWRTA Catch App. Fare boxes on all Fixed Route vehicles will be replaced with new card validators and cash collection boxes which will give riders the flexibility to either pay with their phone using the MWRTA Catch App, pay with the new MWRTA Catch Card, or pay with cash.

[broadstreet zone=”59983″]

The Catch Card will allow riders to add funds directly through the Catch App, eliminating the need to load cash while on-boarding. This will reduce boarding time and give riders a cash-free payment option.

Riders that wish to load their Catch Card using cash may do so at the MWRTA Central Hub, located at 15 Blandin Avenue in Framingham, but may no longer do so on-board the vehicle.

Riders will also have the option to purchase a discounted Fixed Route monthly pass at the Blandin Hub,
providing a more cost-effective fare option. Passes can be purchased for a significantly reduced flat rate,
allowing riders to take unlimited trips on Fixed Route vehicles for a 30-day period from date of purchase.
Passes may be used for a 30-day period, or riders can opt for an automatic renewal. Monthly passes will cost $20 for an adult, or $10 for riders that qualify for the Senior/Disabled rate.

[broadstreet zone=”59982″]

Fare prices for the Fixed Route service will remain unchanged from pre-COVID; $1.50 with cash or $1.25 with Catch Card for adults, $0.75 cash for seniors or individuals with disabilities, or $0.70 with a Reduced Fare Catch Card, 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 Catch Card, and receive the same fare discount as before.

Riders who qualify can visit the MWRTA Central Hub to receive a reduced fare card – visit
www.mwrta.com/fares e for an application and additional details.

Individuals with a CharlieCard that still contains funds may bring it to the MWRTA Central Hub and receive a new Catch Card with matching funds loaded on it.

[broadstreet zone=”59946″]

Fares for Catch Connect service will be paid directly through the Catch App and are fixed at $2 per one-way trip. After booking a trip through the app, the fare will be deducted from their account once the trip is completed. Riders who book Catch Connect trips over the phone will set up an account with MWRTA and pre-load funds onto the account.

Full details of the new fare system are available at www.mwrta.com/fares, along with step-by-step guides on how to use the new Catch Card and Catch App for payments. Individuals with additional questions can email info@mwrta.com.

***

In full transparency, report above was a press release