Are the Fares Fair? T Fares vs. Other Cities

Last week, the MBTA , in addition to some service eliminations.

But how does that stack up to New York, Philadelphia or Atlanta?

According to a document put together by the MBTA, Boston's proposed fare increases will push the cost of a single subway ride to be more in line with most major cities in the U.S.

Some Boston fares, including a proposed $2.40 for a single subway ride on a Charlie Card, will be higher than the average. The average bus fare, though, will fall below most of what is charged around the country. 

To view the full chart comparing the Boston fares to other cities, click the .pdf to the right.

Other comparisons:

• Unlike some major cities, such as Washington D.C., Boston does not charge for the distance traveled on the subway. However, that type of fare structure is applied on the Commuter Rail. 

• Washington also adds on to the fare price if the trip is made during rush hour, where Boston does not. For example, the minimum fare during off-peak hours is $1.60, but increase to $1.95 if a trip is made in the early morning or evening hours. An additional 20 cents is added between the hours of 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.

• New York City offers a 7 percent bonus incentive for those who add $10 or more on to their Metro Card (similar to a Charlie Card). For example, adding $20 on to the card actually gives you $21.40.

• Boston's proposed monthly pass price ($80) is in line with cities like Philadelphia ($83) and Chicago ($86), but below that of New York ($104).

• Boston's proposed one-day pass ($12) is higher than most cities on the list including Chicago ($5.75), Los Angeles ($5) and Washington D.C. ($9).  

• Boston's proposed seven-day pass price ($20) is below that of other cities including New York ($29), Washington D.C. ($32.35-$47) and Chicago ($23). 

Information for this article was provided by the New York MTA website, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, the Washington D.C. Metro website, the Los Angeles Metro website and the Chicago Transit Authority.