Youth T Pass Program

Youth T Pass poster

MBTA Youth Pass Program

The MBTA Youth Pass Program offers discounted MBTA passes to eligible Cambridge residents between the ages of 12-25. Applicants need to provide documents showing their age, Cambridge residency, and participation in a program indicating that they meet the income requirement.

How much does a Youth Pass cost?

You can purchase a discounted pass or discounted pay-per-ride fare. You can purchase a monthly pass for $30 or 7-day pass for $10 for unlimited rides on the subway and bus rides. You can also pay with stored value for one-way trips with a 50% discount.

For commuter rail trips, Youth Pass holders can purchase one-way and ten-trip tickets with a 50% discount at fare vending machines, on board, at ticket windows, and via the mTicket smartphone application.

On the Fairmount Line, Youth Pass cardholders can tap their Youth Pass at the payment validator machines and pay a discounted subway fare. You must keep the receipt from the validator to show conductors as you board or if conductors ask you for your receipt.

How long are passes good for?

Each personalized pass is active from the day you receive it until October 31, 2024. Participants must reapply every year with a new application.

How do I apply?

New and returning applicants apply online by filling out this online application. The City and the MBTA will review your application. If approved, MBTA's vendor will mail you the Youth Pass. If we identify a problem, we will notify you through the application website.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To participate in the Youth Pass program, you must:

  • live in Cambridge
  • be between ages 12 and 25
  • participate in specific income-based public benefit programs
  • not be able to get a MBTA Student Pass through middle or high school

As of November 1, 2023, you qualify if you live in Cambridge, were born between November 1, 1998 and October 31, 2005, receive a public benefit like MassHealth, fuel assistance, housing, SNAP, etc,. If you were born between November 1, 2005 and October 31, 2011 and you attend school, you qualify if you cannot get an MBTA Student Pass through school.

For more information

To read more information and see answers to frequently asked questions on the Youth Pass, visit the MBTA's Youth Pass website.

To ask someone for more information, call 617-349-6234 to talk to someone in the Cambridge Office of Workforce Development.