MBTA Offers Free Rides Friday

BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Boston's embattled public transit agency is letting people ride for free for a day as a goodwill gesture following a winter of disastrous breakdowns.

Read: Customer Appreciation Day

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority says riders can skip the fare Friday for all modes of transportation, including trolleys, buses and commuter rail trains.

Some riders were unaware of the free rides offered by the MBTA.

No promotional signs could be found at Alewife Station, according to WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karyn Regal.

While some riders were appreciative of the gesture, others weren't as enthusiastic about it.

"Having ridden the commuter rail for now going on eight years, no, one day does not certainly make it up," said MBTA passenger Ron Pawelski.

A rider named Aaron says he still remembers the three-hour commutes between Cambridge and Malden this winter and isn't exactly wowed by free fare day either.

"The service definitely needs to be (improved) a lot more," he said.

"I think they just need to provide more money, and better service and upkeep to the MBTA."

The MBTA also is offering 15 percent discounts on weekly and monthly passes in May to show appreciation for commuters.

The gesture will cost the agency an estimated $5 million in lost revenue.

Gov. Charlie Baker this week unveiled legislation to overhaul the MBTA.

The bill would create a new financial control board to oversee the T through 2018.

Riders on Friday also will be offered discounts at local cultural attractions, retail stores and food outlets.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karyn Regal reports:

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