• The MBTA has reduced fares on the commuter rail for several categories of riders.
• People who receive certain state assistance programs can get discounted fares.
• Seniors and people who are disabled can also apply for discounted rates.
• Many colleges in and around the Boston area offer passes for students.

(This story was updated because an earlier version contained an inaccuracy.)

With the MBTA starting commuter rail service in about a month to Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton, riders may want to start checking to see if they’re eligible for some savings. 

According to the MBTA, all the stations in the South Coast Rail are Zone 8 in terms of fare — meaning a ticket all the way to South Station is $12.25. But that’s if you’re paying full price. There are ways around this.

For people who qualify, the T offers reduced fares that cut the price down to $6. Students at some universities can get discounted passes for a semester. And for some others, the ride is free. 

Here’s how to see if you qualify, and how to apply. 

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Who rides the MBTA commuter rail for free? 

You don’t need a ticket at all if you’re: 

• 11 or younger 
• legally blind 
• active-duty military 
• a state trooper 
• a police officer or firefighter in uniform  
• a plainclothes detective with your badge 
• a Department of Public Utilities employee or elevator inspector 

Who can get reduced fare on the MBTA? 

• anyone age 65 or older 
• people 18 to 64 who get state assistance 
• disabled people  
• Medicare cardholders 

You can get a reduced fare if you're receiving SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children; Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled & Children; MASSGrant; or on the MassHealth CarePlus, Family Assistance, Limited or Standard plans. 

Are reduced fares good for only single rides on the MBTA? 

No. People who get reduced fares can buy single trips, round-trips, and monthly passes. It means you’re also eligible for reduced fares on the subway or buses, too. 

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How do you get that reduced fare? 

You have to apply for it.  

For seniors over 65, you’ll need to apply for a Senior CharlieCard online. Have a government-issued photo ID handy. You can have the Senior CharlieCard mailed to you, then use it to buy tickets at a reduced price.  

For people getting state assistance, you’ll need a government-issued photo ID and proof that you’re enrolled in that assistance program. You can either apply online, or visit a local social service program that can help fill out your application face-to-face.

In the Fall River area, visit Citizens For Citizens at 264 Griffin St. or call 508-679-0041 to get help with the application. 

In the New Bedford area, visit People Acting in Community Endeavors at 166 William St., or call 508-999-9920. 

For people with a disability, you’ll need a Transportation Access Pass CharlieCard, which you can apply for online using several different methods. People with a number of different permanent or temporary disabilities can qualify — not only people who need wheelchairs, but people who are immunocompromised, have low vision, are deaf, are intellectually disabled, autistic, have epilepsy, undergoing dialysis, or have other conditions. 

Is there a discount for college students? 

It depends on your school. Several colleges and universities offer monthly or semester-long discount prepaid passes for the commuter rail — not only schools in Boston and Cambridge, like Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern University, Emerson College and Harvard, but colleges like Bridgewater State University and Stonehill College as well. Check the whole list at https://www.mbta.com/pass-program/semester.

For information about getting those passes, contact a school administrator.