The MBTA faced major delays due to power issues the day before the T plans to fully launch their income-eligible reduced fare program, allowing tens of thousands of low-income riders access to half-priced fares.

“It’s our belief that affordable transit is a fundamental right,” MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng said at a press event celebrating the program launch in Malden on Tuesday. “Public transit is a lifeline for many people in our community — for jobs, for education and for other essential services.

“That’s why we’re introducing this new reduced fare program designed to address this challenge and make transit more affordable and accessible to all of those who need it,” Eng added.

The income-eligible reduced fare program will fully open for applications Wednesday, following a soft launch of the program in August. Under the program, low-income residents may pay 50% discounted fares or passes for subway, ferry, commuter rail, bus and all T modes of transportation.

Massachusetts residents enrolled in state assistance programs may qualify, including Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children; MASSGrant; MassHealth programs; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); or Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children.

State officials estimate the program will cover over 60,000 T riders from across the state, resulting in up to 8 million trips and an average savings of $720 per rider.

“Importantly, we know that removing cost as a barrier is going to help more people get onto the T,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “That’s really important to me because it means more people are going to be able to get to work, get to their doctor’s appointments, get to school, get to where they need to be.”

The announcement Tuesday came about an hour before MBTA subway lines experienced major delays systemwide. The T announced service was suspended on the Orange, Blue, Red, and Green Lines after portions of the lines lost signal and station power due to a substation issue downtown around 1:18 p.m.

The system sent out alerts, though in-station PA announcements were down, and service on most lines resumed at about 1:40 p.m. The Orange Line continued to experience delays between Forest Hills and Stony Brook due to work restoring full signal function.

“MBTA subway system functions are stabilizing, and we appreciate the public’s patience as we address system issues,” the MBTA said in a statement.

The low-income reduced fare program resulted from a $5 million investment in the state’s fiscal year 2024 budget and an additional $20 million in the FY 2025 budget. Healey said the state is committed to continuing to fund the program going forward, noting the importance to the state’s climate, economic, equity and other goals.

The T is looking to make the application “very simple,” Eng said, and invites feedback as the program kicks off. The application is available online, involves four steps and takes less than five minutes, he added.

Related Articles

MBTA Board approves 545 housing units near Riverside station in Newton

Red Line to remained closed for week of repair work

Ticker: Massachusetts gas prices down 2 cents; free Bluebikes rides during Red Line closure

Man dies at Park Street Station after making contact with electrified third rail, MBTA police say

Boston Harbor whale could cause ferry service delays, MBTA warns

The T is also partnering with organizations to allow residents to apply in person, including the Department of Transitional Assistance, ABCD, MASSCAP, and the RMV. In late August, MBTA officials said there will be five in-person locations to apply by the rollout, and the program assistance will expand to 36 locations across eastern Massachusetts.

The application, more information about applying and program updates are available at mbta.com/income-eligible.

“Tomorrow when the program begins, I will be one of the first people in the line at the ABCD Mystic Valley Opportunity Center to apply in person for this program after I drop Leah off for school,” said T rider Jason Wang at the press event, referencing his young daughter next to him. “I encourage you, everyone who is eligible, to apply for this program, so that life can be a little bit easier.”