MWRTA Fares Return Next Week: What To Know About The New Payment System

FRAMINGHAM, MA — It will once again cost you a little money to hop on an MetroWest Regional Transit Authority bus.

The MWRTA suspended fares during the COVID-19 pandemic, but are set to return to collecting them on May 1.

On Friday, the organization will host a "Get the Catch Card" event for those who need the new card, which replaces the old "CharlieCard" system.

The event will be held at the MWRTA Central Hub, 15 Blandin Ave., in Framingham, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Officials said the new fare system works similarly to the old system, but passengers are now able to pay fares on a mobile app in addition to paying with cash and a fare card. The MWRTA will also offer a $20 monthly pass for fixed routes.

MWRTA officials have also released the fare cost. Adults paying cash will owe $1.50, while they'll save 25 cents with the Catch Card system. A monthly pass costs $20.

Students under the age of 18 or with a current student ID can ride for $1, if paying cash.

The full fare list is below:

MWRTA officials announced the return of fares beginning on May 1 for all of its services, something that was never in question within the organization.

"It had been the intention of the MWRTA to restart the collection of fares as soon as it was possible," officials said in the MWRTA newsletter.