Merrimack Valley Transit Local Routes Eliminate Fares

LAWRENCE, MA —The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority removed its last farebox from a local bus in order to go fare-free Monday, the agency said.

Beginning Tuesday, fares will only be collected on the Boston Commuter bus, which costs $6 cash or $5 with a Charlie Card, and for Ring & Ride, which sits $1 to 5 depending on the route.

The agency's board voted Dec. 1 to run a two-year pilot of free rides on all local fixed routes and EZ Trans paratransit services.

A City of Lawrence initiative has covered fares for three local Lawrence routes since Sept. 2019. The agency will be using federal coronavirus relief funds for the expanded pilot program.

The agency serves Haverhill, Lawrence, Andover, North Andover, Methuen, Merrimac, Amesbury, Newburyport, Boxford, Groveland, Salisbury, Georgetown and West Newbury.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.