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An MBTA commuter rail train pulls out of East Taunton station. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)
Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR's daily morning newsletter, WBUR Today. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here.
It's Tuesday. The Red Sox got another win streak started last night, thanks to an unexpected grand slam. Now, let's slide into the news:
The discounts keep rolling: Gov. Maura Healey announced this morning that the state is extending two of its popular MBTA commuter rail discounts from this summer — including 50% off monthly passes — through November. Plus, they're trying out three new MBTA discounts across the rest of the system. “These new fare pilots and the extension of our commuter rail savings will put money back in people's pockets while giving more riders the flexibility they need to get to work, school and everywhere in between," Healey said in a statement. (Did we mention it's an election year?)
- Unlimited transfers: Currently, subway and bus riders can transfer up to two times between modes within a two-hour window and pay just one fare (the cost of the highest-priced service). But starting Sept. 1, the T will allow "unlimited" transfers within that two-hour window. "For example, a rider could take a bus to the subway, run errands and return home within two hours while paying just one subway fare instead of multiple fares throughout the trip," Healey's office said in a statement. You just have to use the same form of payment on each mode.
- Cheaper express buses: MBTA express buses, which run directly between downtown Boston and certain suburbs via highways (like the 354 or 505), currently cost up to $4.25 each way. But the Healey administration will pilot reducing the fare to the same as local bus routes: $1.70. That discount also starts Sept. 1. (It does not apply to the Silver Line.)
- Free fares for car-less seniors: The T plans to work with the RMV to offer free fares to Massachusetts residents 75 and older who no longer drive. They'll need to have a Massachusetts ID card, not a driver's license, to qualify. Healey's office said the fall pilot, which doesn't yet have a start date, will apply across all the MBTA's bus, subway, ferry and commuter rail services.
- On the commuter rail: Half-off monthly commuter rail passes aren't the only discount continuing through November. The T's "$1 Weekend Companion Fare," which allows monthly pass holders to bring a guest for $1 each way on the weekend, is also being extended. The commuter rail's free summer Friday promotion is not getting an extension due to "high seasonal ridership during the fall," but the freebie will continue through August as planned.
Lotto clicks: The Massachusetts State Lottery has officially gone digital. Nearly two years after lawmakers voted to allow online lottery sales in the state where the scratch ticket was born, "Mass Lottery Online" ( finally) launched yesterday. The new website allows anyone over the age of 21 in Massachusetts to buy digital tickets to games like PowerBall and MegaBucks, as well as virtual scratch ticket-like "eInstant Games." State House News Service has more details on the rules and what you can (and can't) play here.
- Why is it necessary? Gambling is Massachusetts' fourth-biggest source of tax revenue — after the income tax, sales tax and corporate taxes. But over the past 25 years, gambling revenue's share of the budget has fallen, amid the rise of local in-person casinos and online sports betting. Christian Teja, the online lottery's director, told WBUR's Fausto Menard that going online is about "meeting consumers where they are" in an increasingly digital world. " It was really about the Lottery being able to remain competitive and continue to generate valuable money for the commonwealth," he said.
- How much money? The state's early estimates project over $70 million in net revenue from the first year of online sales. But they expect it to quickly grow to $180 million by the third year and to almost $360 million by year 10.
- Where does that money go? Traditionally, state Lottery revenue goes to cities and towns in the form of unrestricted state aid. But the online Lottery money will be dedicated toward a different end: child care. As part of the 2024 budget deal, lawmakers directed the new online Lottery revenue to be used to help cover the cost of continuing a pandemic-era grant program for child care providers that was originally launched with federal money.
At City Hall: Boston City Councilor Henry Santana is out of the hospital after an 11-day stay. The 30-year-old revealed last week that he was being treated at the cardiovascular center at Brigham and Women's Hospital for unspecified "persistent and unresolved health issues." But he said in a statement yesterday that he was released from the hospital Sunday and is now recovering at home. Santana is aiming to be back at City Hall for the Council's meeting next week on Aug. 5.
P.S.— MBTA discounts might not be the only transportation perk up for an extension. Massport officials are planning an event today to celebrate the 10,000th user of Logan Airport's remote terminal in Framingham — and to make "an announcement on the future of the pilot program." Stay tuned.
WBUR Today: Boston’s Morning Newsletter MBTA
Nik DeCosta-Klipa Senior Editor, Newsletters
Nik DeCosta-Klipa is a senior editor for newsletters at WBUR.
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