慶祝美國250週年 波士頓抒情歌聚院推出新版「聯隊之花」

聯隊之花海報。（公關公司提供）

           (Boston Orange編譯)波士頓抒情歌劇院（Boston Lyric Opera, BLO）慶祝美國建國 250 週年，訂 4 月 24 日至 5 月 3 日，在愛默生柯羅尼亞劇院（Emerson Colonial Theatre）推出全新製作，根據麻州真人真事改編的董尼采第（Gaetano Donizetti）經典喜歌劇「聯隊之花（Daughter of the Regiment）」。

華裔指揮家郭凱立（Kelly Kuo)。（圖片取自郭凱立個人網站）

這齣新版改編喜歌劇，把革命時期發生在波士頓的故事，套用在董尼采第（Gaetano Donizetti）經典喜歌劇「聯隊之花（Daughter of the Regiment）」上，重新述說一名被遺棄在波士頓「自由之樹（Liberty Tree）」下的女嬰瑪麗（Marie），由薩爾皮斯上校（Colonel Sulpice）所領導的民兵團扶養長大。多年後，性格獨立的瑪麗與勇敢的局外人托尼奧（Tonio）陷入熱戀時，發現自己具有貴族身分，被迫在民兵團的袍澤情誼與上流社會的教條束縛中做出抉擇。

 

曾獲OBIE 獎的波士頓劇作家 Kirsten Greenidge，從喬裝成男兵參戰的麻州傳奇女性 Deborah Sampson，以及美國首位出版詩集的非裔女性作家 Phillis Wheatley這2名真實歷史人物故事中擷取靈感，以美國革命時期的麻州為背景，結合歷史與當代幽默，改編劇本，撰寫全新英文對白的虛數一場關於愛，忠誠與獨立精神的華麗冒險。

 

這齣劇也是BLO「革命之聲（Voices of Revolution）」計劃的核心項目，透過藝術來發掘，展現美國建國始終被遺忘的聲音。BLO 總經理 Bradley Vernatter 表示：「這是一個關於歸屬感與勇氣的故事，與波士頓追求獨立的精神共鳴。在建國 250 週年之際推出，格外具有意義」。

 

在歌劇演出外，BLO 還安排了一系列周邊活動，包括4 月 7 日在 波士頓公共圖書館舉辦「聯隊之花」歌劇之夜，以對談與演唱探討革命女性地位，以及6 月 13 至 14 日， 舉辦「她在現場（She Was There）」系列活動，藉電影、音樂與對話聚焦非裔革命女性的故事。

 

BLO的「聯隊之花」由Reno室內交響樂團音樂主任兼美國抒情劇院副藝術總監郭凱立（Kelly Kuo ）擔任現場演奏指揮，John de los Santos 執導。主演陣容包括女高音 Brenda Rae（飾演瑪麗）、Spencer Britten（飾演托尼奧）及 Kenneth Kellogg（飾演薩爾皮斯上校）。舞台設計 Liliana Duque Piñeiro 與服裝設計 Oana Botez 將攜手重現 18 世紀波士頓的革命風情。

 

「聯隊之花 （Daughter of the Regiment））」的演出日期及場次，分別為4 月 24 日及5月1日這2個週五晚上的7點半，以及4 月 26 日和5 月 3 日這2個週日的下午3點。演出地點地址為Emerson Colonial Theatre (106 Boylston St, Boston)。門票40 美元起，現正於 blo.org/daughter 線上熱售中。（更新版）

Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Application for $15 Million in Capital Grants to Expand Career Technical Education

Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Application for $15 Million in Capital Grants to Expand Career Technical Education

 

Grants support expansion, modernization, and increased enrollment capacity 

by 400-600 seats for career tech at comprehensive high schools

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced it is accepting applications for $15 million in capital grants to help school districts to expand and modernize career technical education (CTE) programs at comprehensive high schools. These grants will add an estimated 400-600 additional CTE seats across Massachusetts. 

 

Through this Career Technical Education (CTE) capital grant pilot program, eligible comprehensive high schools — traditional high schools that offer a broad academic curriculum — will be able to use the funding to reduce waitlists for CTE programs, expand capacity to meet the needs of regional employers, and increase equitable access to career and technical training for students pursuing in-demand careers like manufacturing, mechanics, health care and social assistance. The grant pilot focuses on annex facility capacity expansion and modernization, which are specialized, modern, off-site or added spaces offering classroom space that simulates real-world work. 

 

“Our administration is committed to ensuring every student has access to a high-quality career. We are investing $15 million to expand access to career technical education and make sure more students can get the skills they need for good-paying jobs,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants will help schools expand hands-on learning opportunities, reduce waitlists, grow high-quality programs and connect more students with the skills employers across our state are looking for.” 

 

“Career technical education opens doors for students and strengthens our workforce,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By expanding capacity at comprehensive high schools, we’re helping more students access hands-on learning and preparing them for success.” 

 

As part of the administration’s Reimagining High School initiative, CTE programs in standalone CTE schools and in comprehensive high schools equip students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market. Signature components of CTE programs include at least 900 hours of immersive learning time, co-operative education in partnership with local employers, and opportunities to earn high-value, industry recognized credentials. Career tech programs are offered during the school day at approved CTE schools and programs and some after school to provide additional public-school students with access, as well as on evenings and weekends for adult learners through the Career Technical Initiative (CTI). 

 

Funding for the CTE grant pilot program comes from a supplemental budget Governor Healey signed in June that included $100 million in Fair Share dollars to add more than 3,000 CTE seats over three years. Grants will be administered by the Executive Office of Education in consultation with the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. 

 

“Massachusetts employers are looking for skilled workers, and our schools play a critical role in preparing the next generation of talent,” said Education Secretary Stephen Zrike. “These investments will help our public high schools build or expand high-quality CTE programs that will provide students with meaningful pathways into the workforce.” 

 

“Expanding access to Career Technical Education helps Massachusetts prepare future talent and meet the needs of employers” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “This capital investment is a win-win for our workforce—improving critical infrastructure in our schools, closing the skills gaps among students and adult learners to compete in growing fields, and engaging employers looking for future talent in regions across the Commonwealth.” 

 

This is the second CTE capital opportunity the administration has made available this fiscal year to expand access. Earlier, the administration opened applications for comprehensive high schools and career technical schools to apply for $60 million in CTE program capital grants. The multi-year funding supports expansion of existing and new career tech programs, as well as for the purchase and installation of equipment.  

 

“This administration is finding new ways to expand access to career and technical education in diverse school settings,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “I have seen during my visits to schools excellent career and technical facilities, including an ambulance simulator for health students. I'm pleased that the administration is responding to demand so that more students can access these types of learning.” 

 

"Today marks a major step toward improving education outcomes for our students. Ensuring access to high quality career technical education has been a longstanding priority for the Senate because we know that when our youth succeed, our Commonwealth's future is brighter," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We know many of our students want to enroll in CTE programs and these grants will help expand access. I'm proud of the Senate for leading the way on this initiative and thankful to the Healey-Driscoll administration for working with us to get these funds to our schools.” 

 

CTE is the largest College and Career Pathway in Massachusetts, with more than 12,500 graduating students participating in at least one CTE program in 2025. The number of CTE graduates has grown by 9 percent—1,006 more statewide graduates—when compared to 2022. Currently, 27 percent of high schools provide CTE programs. In August, the administration designated 18 new CTE programs at 16 high schools, including the second aviation maintenance program in the state. 

 

"I’ve worked closely with the Healey-Driscoll administration to make public educational funding a top priority for K-12 students across Massachusetts. I’m thrilled to see the launch of the career technical education (CTE) grant pilot program, providing $15 million for CTE academic curriculums and workforce training,” said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “In today’s global economy, traditional high schools can now offer CTE programs to give public high school students the tools they need to compete in today’s changing job market. I was proud to lead the effort in last year’s supplemental budget to support funding for this innovative co-operative education partnership with local employers who are on the lookout for these in-demand specialized skill sets.”  

 

“Increasing opportunities for more students to access Career Technical Education programs is exactly what the Fair Share Amendment was meant to do,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “These grants will allow more students to explore potential career paths, partner with local employers to learn new skills, and earn industry credentials before graduating high school.” 

 

"CTE programs empower students to pursue careers they are passionate about while helping employers meet their workforce needs with skilled, well-prepared individuals,” said Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “The Legislature and the Administration have made these grant programs a priority because they deliver meaningful value by strengthening both student success and our broader workforce.” 

 

The deadline for applications for the capital grants is April 28, 2026.  More information can be found in COMMBUYS.  

New England Governors Announce Commitment to Explore Advanced Nuclear Energy

New England Governors Announce Commitment to Explore Advanced Nuclear Energy 

 

Bipartisan group of Governors directs state energy agencies to explore advanced nuclear energy technologies, maintain region’s existing nuclear resources 

 

BOSTON – Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey joined with a bipartisan group of New England governors to issue a joint statement outlining their regional commitment to exploring advanced nuclear energy technologies and continuing to support the region’s existing nuclear facilities.  

 

Governor Healey joined Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Maine Governor Janet Mills, New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, and Vermont Governor Phil Scott in issuing a joint statement outlining next steps to strengthen the region’s energy reliability, affordability, and long-term supply:  

 

“Adequate electricity supply is critical to growing our economies, preserving public health and safety, powering our homes and businesses, and stabilizing consumer prices as demand for electricity rises across the region. New England has a long tradition of collaborating on regional energy matters. As governors, we are committed to safeguarding our collective energy future through advancement of a diverse energy strategy that includes nuclear power, a pillar of New England’s electric system,” state the New England Governors. 

 

The statement outlines two key next steps. First, the Governors are directing state energy offices to explore opportunities to ensure the continued safe, affordable and reliable operation of our region’s existing nuclear generation facilities.  

 

Second, the Governors directed state energy agencies to take steps to explore deployment of advanced nuclear generation in states and communities that express a willingness to host such resources. This includes exploring innovative financing structures, federal funding and financial support opportunities, public-private partnerships, and regulatory designs for advanced nuclear energy that will protect consumers, help meet our region’s energy needs, and enable New England to capture job growth and economic development opportunities from the deployment of new nuclear technologies with advanced safety systems.  

 

The Governors reiterated their commitment to ensuring local voices shape decision-making from the outset, including community-led approaches to explore appropriate, responsible locations for new nuclear development. 

 

“These initiatives will complement our states’ other efforts to secure a safe, affordable and reliable electricity grid for the 21st century,” continue the Governors. “By ensuring both the continued operation of our existing nuclear fleet and setting our region on a path to explore next generation resources, including advanced nuclear energy technologies, the New England states will continue our leadership in grid modernization and energy innovation as we jointly work to meet the region’s current and future energy needs.” 

 

Electricity consumption in New England is expected to increase more than 40 percent over the next 20 years, according to ISO New England. Demand for electricity in the winter is expected to grow the fastest. ISO New England’s latest forecast shows that winter peak demand is projected to double by 2045. 

 

In Massachusetts, this work builds on Governor Healey’s recent executive order directing state agencies to evaluate emerging energy technologies, including advanced nuclear, to support a reliable and affordable electric grid.  

 

Massachusetts has also launched a partnership with University of Massachusetts Lowell to develop “Advanced Nuclear and Fusion Energy Roadmaps” to accelerate the state’s leadership in advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies. UMass Lowell will publish the Advanced Nuclear and Fusion Energy Roadmaps this summer, which will help identify the opportunities for Massachusetts as the region moves forward. The roadmaps are being informed by significant stakeholder feedback and expert input. 

紐英崙潮州同鄉會林全峰連任會長 波士頓潮汕青年會林挺首任會長

紐英崙潮州同鄉會會長林全峰（又）連任，波士頓潮汕青年會林挺（左）出任首屆會長。
（周菊子攝）

             (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導)美國紐英崙潮州同鄉會和美國波士頓潮汕青年會攜手，3月28日晚在帝苑大酒樓，依序舉行第16屆和第一屆就職典禮，全美15個潮汕組織至少有一半派員或組團來賀林全峰連任，林挺就任會長，500多人歡聚，場面非常熱鬧。

                根據紐英崙潮州同鄉會官網（https://www.tcaone.com/），1975年越南政局動蕩，大量潮汕裔華人從越南、高棉、寮國等地遠走他鄉，其中許多人落腳麻州，並於1982年成立了麻州越棉寮華人協會，12年後再於1994年2月20日成立紐英崙潮州同鄉會，設址波士頓華埠聶街9號，並在劉漢榮，楊克敬，鍾炳南，陳忠超等人悉心經營下，成長茁壯，迄今已32年。

嘉賓與瑞獅合影。（周菊子攝）

           2025年紐英崙潮州同鄉會會長林全峰慷慨解囊，捐給同鄉會和新成立的波士頓潮汕青年會各一萬元，更壯大了潮州人在大波士頓的影響力。

           28日晚，林全峰感謝各界支持他連任會長，匯報過去一年來，紐英崙潮州同鄉會辦了很多精彩活動，包括把會員帶到紐約、費城、新澤西等地旅行，組團回中國參加在潮州舉辦的國際聯誼會，更重要的是促成波士頓潮汕青年會成立，讓該會氣息更青春，色彩更豐富。

外埠嘉賓與瑞獅合影。（周菊子攝）

            林全峰當晚還特地頒發感謝獎，表揚副會長之一的黃光沐貢獻傑出。

            出任波士頓潮汕青年會首屆會長的林挺，感謝林全峰的啟發、指引與前輩們的信任。他直言自己有機會承擔這份責任，不僅僅是榮譽，更是使命。他將努力發揚光大潮汕人守望相助的文化傳承，讓“有潮水的地方就有潮汕人”，潮汕人以吃苦耐勞，敢闖敢拼，團結互助的精神，支持潮汕人繼續走遍世界，在各個地方生根發芽。

嘉賓接受瑞獅獻旗。（周菊子攝）

外埠嘉賓贈送旗幟。（周菊子攝）

            林挺揚言，要讓潮汕人成為一個值得驕傲的身份。他表示，波士頓是個非常特別的城市，不僅是美國歷史發源地，更是全球教育與醫療的頂尖城市，這天到場的30多名潮汕青年，都是來自哈佛、麻省理工學院、波士頓大學、東北大學等的優秀學子，教授，學者，全美排名第一的MGH等醫院的醫生，研究人員，也有活躍在商業，法律，公益，體育各界的優秀青年，其中有許多人還是第一次在海外參加這種規模的潮汕社團活動。她將在美國潮青總會指導下，配合波士頓實際情況，積極開展有意義活動，打造高品質交流平台，讓潮汕青年有機會交流思想，拓展資源。

李漢強（右一）等外部嘉賓贈送牌匾，恭賀林全峰（左三），林挺（右三）就任會長。
（周菊子攝）

            美國潮商總會執行主席李漢強這晚也寄語深重。他向場中眾人拜年後，熱烈祝賀林全峰會長永遠連任。他說這不僅是對林全峰過往努力的肯定。更是對他卓越領導力的高度信任。波士頓潮汕青年會的正式成立，更是潮汕社團的嶄新希望，要在波士頓這樣得天獨厚的環境中，幫助潮汕青年成長，進取，發揮聰明才智，會社會做更大貢獻。美國潮商總會將與各地潮汕同鄉會緊密合作，攜手搭建資源平台，重情重義的開創更美好未來。

 

             現任紐英崙潮州同鄉會榮譽會長的鍾炳南以潮州話說，非常高興見到潮州人共聚一堂，有力出力，有錢出錢，把潮州同鄉會打造成一個更有影響力的社團。

美國潮商總會執行主席李漢強恭賀。（周菊子攝）

 

             紐英崙潮州同鄉會常務副會長楊光霖致答謝詞，祝賀林全峰連任，林挺就任會長，感謝太子集團，以及各贊助商捐贈禮品，祝賀出席眾人馬年成功。

紐英崙潮州同鄉會榮譽會長的鍾炳南用潮州話致詞。（周菊子攝）

 紐英崙潮州同鄉會常務副會長楊光霖致答謝詞。（周菊子攝）

               潮州同鄉會職員兩年一任，2026的就職典禮，由潮青新會員楊婉柔和副會長陳任銘擔任司儀，安排有16個節目，從吳明杰醫生率領團隊示範打太極，他個人舞太極劍開始，陸續有波士頓潮汕青年會副會長，中國國家大劇院青年女高音歌唱家林佳演唱「春之聲圓舞曲」，「我的家鄉我的愛」，哈佛中國學聯阿卡貝拉人生合唱團演唱，「心牆」，「忽然之間」，卓智媛唱「Rolling in the deep」，楊宇婷舞蹈表演，「流光」，孫振竣演唱「大海」，「離歌」，「歌劇魅影」，鄒佳宇「流浪記」，「空白格」，廖子倩「如願」，Lily唱京劇「貴妃醉酒」，白亞盈「走過咖啡屋」。

 

                  中間還有莊美芳，謝慧珍，鄧曉玲的抽獎。

                  這場就職慶典，最後在全體會員合唱「勝利雙手創」等許多歌曲聲中落幕。

                     今年出席的外埠嘉賓有

新屆職員宣誓就任。（周菊子攝）

美國潮商總會的執行長李漢強，夏威夷執行主席杜錦輝，西部執行主席翁漢豐，中部執行主席孫偉根，紐約潮州同鄉會會長藍章興，德州休士頓潮州會館會長馬克通，費城潮州會館會長陳香，美京潮州會館會長吳碧雲，夏威夷潮州同鄉會榮譽會長羅鎮城，西雅圖柬華聯誼會長吳清香，紐約潮青聯誼會會長馬立禧，加拿大安省潮州會館會長吳炳雄等人

楊光霖（右）協助會長林全峰表揚黃光沐（中）。（周菊子攝）

                  2026的美國紐英崙同鄉會幹部為，會長林全峰，常務副會長楊光霖，副會長黃光沐，吳明杰，宋良銘，林偉寧，莊美方。

                  波士頓潮汕青年會第一屆幹部為，會長林挺，副會長陳任銘，張靜林，秘書鄒佳宇。

費城嘉賓送牌匾恭賀林全峰（左起）、林挺就任會長。（周菊子攝）

嘉賓送牌匾致賀。（周菊子攝）

嘉賓送牌匾致賀。（周菊子攝）

楊劉煌雲（左）等人讚許林佳唱得真棒。（周菊子攝）

音樂學院學生演唱水準專業。（周菊子攝）

Lily演唱京劇“貴妃醉酒”。（周菊子攝）

吳明杰醫師率隊示範太極。（周菊子攝）

潮青演唱。（周菊子攝）

嘉賓合影。（周菊子攝）

楊光霖（右起），宋良銘，林全峰（左二）恭喜出席者抽中現金獎。（周菊子攝）

出席僑胞。（周菊子攝）

出席僑胞。（周菊子攝）

林全峰會長（後右一）和出席者合影。（周菊子攝）

司儀陳任銘（左）和楊婉柔（右）。（周菊子攝）

三益公所嘉賓合影。（周菊子攝）

楊光霖（前左）和出席嘉賓合影。（周菊子攝）

哈佛中國學聯阿卡貝拉人聲合唱團演唱。（周菊子攝）

鏟雪費和警察加班費超支 波士頓市預算赤字近5000萬元

         （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市政府3月30日證實，受極端氣候與公共安全支出激增影響，本會計年度（至 6 月 30 日止）預計出現 4,840 萬美元預算赤字。市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）已緊急下令凍結部分開支並推遲招聘，以確保在下週公布新年度預算前達成收支平衡。

市府財務長Ashley Groffenberger在這天發給市議會的信函中指出，出現赤字主要是因為今年有兩場特大暴雪，導致鏟雪費用超支 4,710 萬美元，另有警察加班費超支 4,870 萬美元，合計超支近 1 億美元，然而由於本年度稅收表現比預期好，加上市府部門節流，相互抵銷後，最終赤字目前控制在 4,840 萬美元。獨自編列預算的波士頓公立學校（BPS）也面對5,300 萬美元預算赤字。

波士頓市政府為因應這預算赤字，已採取一系列措施。吳弭市長去年12月時，就已指示市府各部門首長，下個會計年度的開支預算刪減2%。波士頓市府和工會達成協議，縮減雇員減肥藥物（如 GLP-1）健保給付，預計每年可節省約 1,100 萬美元。

吳弭市長也下令立即推遲或凍結市府員工聘僱，限制或凍結辦公用品、餐飲與差旅費等開支，縮減雇員減肥藥物（如 GLP-1）健保給付。市府財務長Ashley Groffenberger強調，這些措施旨在保障垃圾清運與圖書館等核心服務，若必要時將動用儲備基金。

政策專家警告道，儘管目前的赤字僅佔總預算 1%，但在建築許可收入下滑與聯邦補助減少的情況下，市府過去依賴稅收紅利抵銷超支的模式已難以為繼。吳弭政府未來將面臨收入增長受限的挑戰，需更謹慎規劃預算以維持長期財政穩定。

麻州今夏週五搭地鐵全線免費 Healey州長宣佈4項MBTA優惠

 (Boston Orange編譯)麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今(30)日在北車站宣佈，為因應FIFA足球世界盃（FIFA World Cup）及多項大型活動帶來的交通壓力，麻州地鐵（MBTA ）將於 2026 年 6 月至 8 月推出週五全線免費搭乘等4項夏季票價優惠。

週五全線免費搭乘，包含六月節及 7 月 3 日。其他優惠還有6、7、8 月份的通勤鐵路月票全面 5 折，適用範圍為 第1區（Zone） 至第 10區、Interzone （跨區）及通勤渡輪月票（不含 Zone 1A）。根據估算，月票持有者整個夏季可節省 $321 至 $639。

針對週末行程，月票持有者可跨越原卡片區域限制，通行至全線任一車站。此外，月票持有者於週末搭車時，可帶一名同伴隨行，同伴單日票價僅需 $1。

麻州地鐵（MBTA ）總經伍偉華（Phil Eng）表示，波士頓今年將有足球世界盃、慶祝美國建國250週年的MA250，以及高桅帆船節（Tall Ships）等大型活動，預計將有數百萬名遊客在夏季前後湧入。MBTA為因應人潮， 將於 6 月及 7 月調整行車時間表，增加往返波士頓體育館的班次。這次的大幅度降價，除了鼓勵民眾使用大眾運輸交通工具、緩解塞車外，也是為了補償賽事期間行車時間表變動對日常通勤族造成的影響。

麻州居民須注意，前述優惠不適用於單程票、5 日彈性票、1A 區月票，以及往返 福斯堡（Foxboro ）的體育館專車與 CapeFLYER。詳細資訊可至 MBTA.com 查詢。

Governor Healey Announces Summer Savings for Commuter Rail Riders 

 

BOSTON - Governor Maura Healey today announced a series of summer fare promotions and discounts on the MBTA Commuter Rail to lower costs for riders, support regular commuters and encourage more people to choose public transportation as Massachusetts prepares for a busy season of major events across the state.  

 

Governor Healey made the announcement at North Station alongside Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Interim Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng this morning, where they outlined four promotions that will run on the Commuter Rail through June, July and August, including Free Fridays, a 50 percent discount on monthly passes, and more. Monthly passholders will save between $321 and $639 over the summer, depending on their route.  

 

With major events and increased travel expected across the state this summer, the Administration is focused on making sure people have a reliable, affordable alternative to driving so we can reduce congestion, support daily commuters, and keep Massachusetts moving. These steps will help residents and visitors get around during a busy summer while making public transportation a more convenient choice for everyday travel. 

 

“We want to make using public transportation easier and more affordable for people – for our regular commuters, for residents going out to local businesses and restaurants, and for everyone who will be enjoying the exciting special events we have going on this summer,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That is why we are discounting commuter rail fares and offering free service on Fridays all summer long, saving people hundreds of dollars. The MBTA has made incredible strides to improve service, particularly on the commuter rail, and we want as many people as possible to choose public transportation for special events and as part of their daily routine.”  

“These fare promotions will help make it easier for people to get around Massachusetts this summer,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We want residents and visitors to be able to travel affordably and take advantage of everything our communities have to offer.”   

 

“As we prepare for events like the World Cup, MA250, Tall Ships, and for millions of visitors to experience all that Massachusetts has to offer, we want to thank our regular riders that rely on us 365 days a year for your patience and continuing to choose transit during this unprecedented summer. These free and discounted summer Commuter Rail services are a Thank You to our regular passengers and to encourage more people to experience the convenience of leaving their cars at home and choosing transit,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “We are committed to furthering MassDOT’s mission of providing safe, reliable, and resilient transportation in every corner of the state, and we hope passengers across the region take advantage of our Free Summer Fridays, summer discounts, and bringing a friend on the Commuter Rail on weekends for just $1 each way to explore the many wonderful recreational opportunities Massachusetts has to offer just a train trip away.” 

 

The following fare promotions will be available through June, July and August 2026:  

• Free Summer Fridays: All Commuter Rail service will be free on Fridays in June, July, and August 2026, including Juneteenth and July 3. Regular fares will be in place for Boston Stadium Trains, the CapeFLYER, and any other special event trains to Foxboro. 
• 50 Percent Discount on Monthly Commuter Rail Passes: Calendar month Commuter Rail passes for June, July, and August 2026 will be discounted by 50 percent. This discount applies to full fare and reduced fare monthly passes for Zones 1 through 10, Interzone 1 through 10, and Commuter Ferry passes. This discount will not apply to Zone 1A passes. All non-calendar month Commuter Rail products (for example, single-ride tickets, 5-Day Flex Passes, and Weekend Passes) will remain at their standard prices. 
• Expanded Weekend Travel for Monthly Pass Holders: Monthly Commuter Rail passes will be valid for travel to any zone on weekends. Zone 1 through 10 pass holders may travel through Zone 10, and Interzone pass holders may travel through Interzone 10. This does not apply to Zone 1A passes or ferry service. Regular fares will be in place for Boston Stadium Trains, the CapeFLYER, and any other special event trains to Foxboro. 
• $1 Weekend “Summer Companion” Fare for Commuter Rail Monthly Pass Holders: Monthly pass holders may bring one companion on any weekend Commuter Rail trip covered by their pass for $1 each day. This offer is limited to one companion per pass holder. Regular fares will remain in place for Boston Stadium trains, the CapeFLYER, and other special event trains to Foxboro.  

To support increased ridership during the FIFA World Cup, the MBTA will temporarily adjust Commuter Rail schedules in June and July, including expanded service to accommodate up to 20,000 passengers on 14 trains per match day to Boston Stadium. 

 

The MBTA recognizes these temporary schedule changes may affect regular riders. These fare discounts are intended to offset those impacts, support regular riders, and encourage more people to choose transit during a busy summer season and beyond. 

 

For more information, visit MBTA.com