Governor Healey Announces October 13 Launch for Car-Free Seniors MBTA Pilot Program

Governor Maura Healey today announced that enrollment for the Car-Free Seniors Pilot Program, a new initiative providing free MBTA service to Massachusetts residents age 75 and older who no longer drive, will open on October 13, 2026.

In partnership with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), the program will allow eligible seniors who hold a Massachusetts identification card, rather than a driver's license, to obtain a free-fare credential valid across the MBTA's bus, subway, ferry, and Commuter Rail services.

“My administration is focused on making Massachusetts more affordable, accessible, and connected for people at every stage of life,” said Governor Maura Healey. “For seniors who have made the decision to stop driving, transportation shouldn’t become another cost or barrier. The Car-Free Seniors Pilot Program will allow older adults with a way to stay independent, connected, and able to get where they need to go for free.”

“Being able to get where you need to go is a big part of staying independent,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Seniors who give up their driver’s license shouldn’t have to worry about how they’ll get to an appointment, visit family or go about their daily lives. This program gives them a free and reliable option on the T while continuing our work to lower transportation costs across Massachusetts.”

“Freedom to move about is essential to quality of life – for work, medical, fun, and so many other reasons,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “Under the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we have prioritized providing the public with options for safe, reliable travel opportunities and for seniors who no longer drive. We are proud to offer a new Car-Free Seniors program making the MBTA available for them. We want the older generation to have the ability to travel as they please, even without a license. Our seniors deserve to feel empowered to use the public transit system to access resources, recreational activities, and to connect with their loved ones.”

How to Enroll in the Car-Free Seniors Pilot:

Obtain a Massachusetts ID: Residents must have a Massachusetts ID card to participate in the pilot. A Massachusetts ID is an official form of identification that does not provide driving privileges. Residents who do not already have one can apply through the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Learn more on the RMV website. To apply for a Mass ID, complete the Registry of Motor Vehicles application.

Once you have a Mass ID or if an individual has one already, apply for the Car-Free Seniors free-fare credential

Online (beginning October 13): Qualified residents who have a Mass ID and who want to be part of the pilot may obtain their free-fare credential by completing the application online. The application will only be available beginning October 13. Applicants who use the online form will receive the credential via mail or can elect to pick up their credential in-person. Check here for updates.
In person (beginning October 13): Seniors may also visit the Charlie Service Center to apply for the credential beginning October 13, 2026. The Charlie Service Center is located at 296 Washington St, between Milk Street and Water Street. The center is near the State Street and Downtown Crossing MBTA stations and is fully accessible. Riders who visit the Charlie Service Center for their free-fare credential will be able to obtain a temporary credential the day of their visit. A permanent credential will be mailed following the visit.

“We are proud to partner with the MBTA on Car-Free Seniors, supporting their mission to help seniors maintain independent mobility and stay connected to their communities. The partnership reflects our shared commitment to safety, education, and providing residents with the information and resources they need to navigate transportation options with confidence. We look forward to working with the MBTA on this venture and supporting our car free seniors in the process,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie.

This summer, Governor Healey announced a series of new and extended MBTA affordability programs to lower costs and make public transportation more flexible and easier to use. The package included 50 percent off monthly Commuter Rail passes from September through November, an extension of the $1 Weekend Companion Fare, new two-hour unlimited transfer windows, the elimination of higher express bus fares and the new Car-Free Seniors Pilot.

The Car-Free Seniors Pilot was announced as part of that package, with the launch date to be finalized this fall. Today’s announcement sets October 13 as the date eligible seniors can begin enrolling for free travel across MBTA bus, subway, ferry and Commuter Rail services.

These affordability programs build on the Governor Healey’s broader work to make the MBTA safer, more reliable and more affordable. Since taking office, her administration has eliminated slow zones, increased service, strengthened the MBTA workforce and advanced major investments in tracks, signals, stations and other infrastructure across the system.

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