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Posted September 2006
Fare-mix studies are used to calculate the average revenue per passenger on each of the MBTA’s transportation modes. The averages are then applied to reported revenue totals to estimate total ridership. These studies have been done only at intervals of several years. The most recent previous study was based on data collected in 2001–2002 for all modes. Because of a systemwide fare increase implemented in January 2004, the average revenues calculated in 2002 need to be revised. Data for updated fare-mix calculations for MBTA heavy rail (Red, Orange, and Blue lines), light rail (Green Line), bus, and trackless trolley were collected between January and November 2005. The faremix calculations for commuter rail were based on ticket and pass sales data from fiscal year 2005 (July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005). The bus ridership and revenue figures include the Silver Line-Washington Street, which has the same fare structure as local bus routes, but free transfers from this line to rapid transit are allowed at certain locations. (Silver Line-Waterfront revenue was very small in the time span of the data examined, but was also included in the bus total.)
This report describes the methods that were used to collect data for each mode, the steps that were used to calculate average revenue per passenger from these data, and the results of the calculations with comparisons to 2002 and 1996. Unless otherwise stated, all of the fares described are those that became effective in January 2004.
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