Boston subway fares rank among lowest relative to local wages

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provides some of the most affordable subway travel in the world compared to local worker earnings.

Research by the online remittance service Remitly used World Bank data to create a global index comparing 94 transit systems. The study found that a single $2.40 trip in Boston represents only 1.21% of a typical daily wage in the city. The MBTA ranked first among United States metro systems and 10th globally for one-way fare affordability.

While the Caracas Metro in Venezuela offered the cheapest single ticket at roughly two cents, the Lausanne Metro in Switzerland had the most expensive ticket at $7.22. The study did not factor in service quality, speed, or the distance covered by different systems. MBTA officials aim to keep the system affordable to encourage more people to use public transportation. The agency offers reduced fares for children, older adults, people with disabilities, and those receiving state assistance.

Riders can also lower costs by purchasing monthly or annual passes and using free transfers between buses and trains.