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8/22/2025
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority yesterday (MBTA) announced that fare checks as the part of its fare engagement program will begin Sept. 8 on the subway system.
"Fare engagement representatives" will begin issuing formal warnings and citations to riders who have not tapped at a fare gate or farebox, MBTA officials said in a press release.
"As we continue to improve service frequency across all modes, we have much more to do, and we rely on each rider to pay their fare and support continued service improvements," said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng.
In October 2024, MBTA hired 16 people to serve as fare engagement representatives to visually check fares and observe riders entering fare gates and boarding vehicles. The representatives — who wear blue shirts, khaki pants and hats — have MBTA identification and will be supported by MBTA Transit police.
If a rider is found to have not paid a fare, the rider will first receive a warning and will be asked for government-issued identification, MBTA officials said.
Failure to pay fares after receiving a warning will result in the rider paying a $50 or $100 fine. Riders who decline to cooperate with MBTA personnel or decline to provide information or identification will be asked to leave the station.