Discounted Bluebikes
Learn more about ways to ride Bluebikes at a discount.
There are a number of different ways you might be eligible for a discounted Bluebikes membership. Learn more about them here!
-
Still have questions? Contact:
BOSTON BIKES -
Get Help In-Person
Visit us during drop-in hours:
- Mondays, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m.
Discount membership options
Discount membership optionsThe following universities offer discounts for students and staff. Contact your school’s transportation office to receive more information about enrollment. Discounted memberships range from $98 to $0.
- Boston University
- Emerson College
- Emmanuel College
- Fisher College
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts College of Art and Design
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Northeastern University
- Simmons University
- Tufts University
- University of Massachusetts Boston
- Wentworth Institute of Technology
Some employers offer discounts for their employees. Contact your Human Resources department to receive more information. Discounted memberships from $98 to $0.
The Income-Eligible program provides discounted options to people who meet the income guidelines. People with incomes that qualify for MassHealth, SNAP, and other public assistance programs listed below, are eligible for this discount.
Qualifying programs:
- MassHealth
- SNAP/EBT
- Pell Grants
- Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP)
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
- Public Housing
- Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The Income-Eligible Annual Membership cost for Boston residents is $5/year as part of a program provided by the City of Boston.
For residents of other municipalities, the cost is $5/month or $50/year.
Income-eligible members can ride ebikes for $.07/minute.
On October 12, 2023, Mayor Wu announced the Boston Bikes Pass, a program to provide a deeply discounted Annual Bluebikes Membership. Boston residents, regardless of income, can get a $60/year Bluebikes membership if they have not had a Bluebikes membership within the last three years. Learn more about the Boston Bikes Pass.
The Income-Eligible program provides discounted options to people who meet the income guidelines. People with incomes that qualify for MassHealth, SNAP, and other public assistance programs listed below, are eligible for this discount.
Qualifying programs:
- MassHealth
- SNAP/EBT
- Pell Grants
- Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP)
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
- Public Housing
- Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Beginning in October 2023, the Income-Eligible Annual Membership cost for Boston residents is $5/year as part of a one-year pilot program provided by the City of Boston.
For residents of other municipalities, the cost is $5/month or $50/year.
Income-eligible members can ride ebikes for $.07/minute.
Boston Bikes Pass
Learn about our new discount program for Boston residents only!
What is the Boston Bikes Pass?
The Boston Bikes Pass is an annual Bluebikes membership that is offered only to residents who live in the City of Boston at a reduced rate. The reduced rate membership is provided by the City of Boston to make travel by bike more affordable.
City of Boston residents who have not had a Bluebikes membership in the last three years are eligible for the $60/year membership (regular rate is $133.50/year).
Residents who qualify for MassHealth, SNAP, or have an income qualifying them for these or similar programs can get an even further reduced rate at $5/year (regular Income-Eligible rate is $50/year).
Bluebikes Annual Membership Options
| Details | Boston Bikes Pass (Boston residents only) | Income-Eligible Boston Bikes Pass (Boston residents only) | Annual Membership (NON-BOSTON RESIDENTS) | Income-Eligible Annual Membership (Non-Boston residents) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Membership price |
$60/Year |
$5/Year |
$133.50/Year |
$50/Year |
|
Ride time limits |
45 minutes |
60 minutes |
45 minutes |
60 minutes |
|
Overtime fees for classic bikes |
$.10/minute over 45 minutes | $.07/minute over 60 minutes | $.10/minute over 45 minutes | $.07/minute over 60 minutes |
| Ebike fees | $.10/minute | $.07/minute | $.10/minute | $.07/minute |
How long can I check out a bike for?
You can check out traditional pedal bikes (“classic bikes”) or ebikes with your membership.
Once you unlock a classic bike, you have to return it to another station within a certain period of time to avoid overtime fees. Riders with the $60/year Boston Bikes Pass have 45 minutes, and riders with the $5/year Income-Eligible Boston Bikes Pass have 60 minutes to return the bike.
You can keep a classic bike out for longer, but extra time fees apply.
Once you unlock an ebike, it costs a per-minute fee to ride. Riders with the $60/year Boston Bikes Pass can ride ebikes for $.10/minute, and riders with the $5/year Income-Eligible Boston Bikes Pass can ride ebikes for $.07/minute.
Ebikes that haven’t moved for 45 minutes but are not locked in a dock will “idle end.” The ride will automatically end, and the bike will be unusable until it has been recovered by Bluebikes operators. The rider will be charged the total cost of the ride plus an “idle end fee” of $25 since it was not docked.
how do i get a bike?
Once your account is active, you can start riding right away!
You can unlock a bike by using your key or the mobile app. Use your smartphone camera to scan the bike’s QR code. The code will be between the handlebars or on the rear fender. Wait for the green light and a “ding,” indicating that it is now unlocked.
Or you can insert your credit/debit card on file into the kiosk. You’ll receive a numeric code to enter on the dock by the bike.
In the app, ebikes have an electric ‘bolt’ under the bike icon to identify them at a station. They will appear as a separate option and the number of available ebikes will be displayed. If you’re at a station, look for a silver bike with a screen.
How do I know if I have successfully returned my bike?
You must return your bike to a Bluebikes station when you are done using it. When your bike is properly locked into the dock, you will hear a beep and see a green light. Do not leave the bike if you do not see the green light. Review this guide to correctly returning a bike. You can opt to receive notifications when your mobile app or email to confirm when you've returned your bike correctly.
MBTA Closures Support
A partnership between the City of Boston and Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA offers support during major planned MBTA subway and light rail closures in 2024 to help people get around and introduce new members to Bluebikes.
During the Orange Line closure beginning October 26, 2024, we are offering free Bluebikes unlocks, limited to five trips per user during each closure. The unlocks will be available while supplies last. Use code MBTAORANGEOCT26.
Details
To claim the credit:
- Download the Bluebikes app or visit bluebikes.com to join or log in.
- On the app, select “Rewards” from the left-side menu, and enter the promo code. Once the code is entered, you’ll see it in your rewards. Note: This code will only be available to claim during the current closure, while supplies last. Any unused credit in your account will expire at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of that closure.
- Fill out your information. Note: Ebikes cost $.25 per minute. You will be charged for lost bikes or classic rides over 45 minutes. Sales tax may apply.
- Check out a bike using your Bluebikes mobile app, key, or credit or debit card.
- Return the bike to a station after your trip.
The unlocks can be used for rides on classic bikes and e-bikes (value of $2.95 per unlock). For e-bikes, riders will be charged $.25 per minute. Sales tax may apply.
After your ride, any unused unlocks will remain in your Rewards tab. These unlocks can continue to be used for rides as long as they occur before they expires at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the MBTA closure. Any unused unlocks will be forfeited at midnight on the last day of the MBTA closure in which it was claimed.
The credit can be used anywhere in the Bluebikes system, no matter where the MBTA closure is taking place.
Promotions will be active during the following MBTA closures, while supplies last. Future promotion details to be announced. This list is subject to change.
|
Line |
Start point |
End point |
Days |
Start Date |
End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Green Line |
Copley |
Cleveland Circle, Babcock Street, Reservoir |
18 |
2/20/24 |
3/8/24 |
|
Blue Line |
Airport |
Wonderland |
12 |
4/17/24 |
4/30/24 |
|
Red Line |
Park Street |
JFK/UMass |
8 |
5/2/24 |
5/10/24 |
|
Orange Line |
Sullivan Square |
Back Bay |
10 |
5/28/24 |
6/6/24 |
|
Orange Line |
Wellington |
North Station |
8 |
6/20/24 |
6/27/24 |
|
Red Line |
Alewife |
Kendall |
16 |
7/13/24 |
7/28/24 |
|
Green Line (B only) |
Boston College |
Kenmore |
10 |
8/2/24 |
8/11/24 |
|
Red Line |
Kendall/MIT |
JFK/UMass |
6 |
8/19/24 |
8/25/24 |
|
Orange Line |
Back Bay |
Forest Hills |
11 |
10/8/24 |
10/20/24 |
|
Orange Line |
Oak Grove |
North Station |
6 |
10/26/24 |
11/1/24 |
|
Green Line (C only) |
Cleveland Circle |
St Marys |
6 |
10/28/24 |
11/2/24 |
|
Green Line |
North Station |
Lechmere |
14 |
11/12/24 |
11/25/24 |
|
Red Line |
Broadway |
North Quincy |
6 |
12/1/24 |
12/6/24 |
|
Red Line |
Harvard |
Park Street |
6 |
12/14/24 |
12/19/24 |
Funding is allocated based on the number of days in the MBTA closure. If funding for a particular MBTA closure is not used up, we will reallocate the funding to future MBTA closures.
Bluebikes Frequently Asked Questions
Ebikes cost a per-minute fee to ride. Members can ride ebikes for $.10/minute, and income-eligible members can ride ebikes for $.07/minute.
Ebikes that haven’t moved for 45 minutes but are not locked in a dock will “idle end.” The ride will automatically end and the bike will be unusable until it has been recovered by Bluebikes operators. The rider will be charged the total cost of the ride plus an “idle end fee” of $25 since it was not docked.
If your trip on a traditional pedal bike (“classic bike”) is under the time limit associated with your membership, and you make sure to correctly lock your bike at a station, you will not be charged any extra fees. Take a look at this chart to view trip time limits, overtime fees, and ebike fees.
| Boston residents only | Boston residents only | Non-Boston residents | Non-Boston residents | |
Boston Bikes Pass |
Income-Eligible Boston Bikes Pass |
Annual Membership |
Income-Eligible Annual Membership |
|
|
Membership price |
$60/Year |
$5/Year |
$129/Year |
$50/Year |
|
Free ride times (for classic bikes) |
45 minutes |
60 minutes |
45 minutes |
60 minutes |
|
Overtime fees (per 30 minutes) |
$2.50 | $2.00 | $2.50 | $2.00 |
| Ebike fees | $.10/minute | $.07/minute | $.10/minute | $.07/minute |
You are responsible for the bike once you take it from a station. Do not leave your bike unattended. If your bike is not locked into a station, it could be stolen. You will be charged a minimum fee of $250, and up to $1200.
If you sense a safety issue with your bike, stop riding the bike, return it to the nearest station and press the button on the dock with a wrench symbol on it. This will turn the light on the dock red so no one else can use the bike before our technicians can fix it.
Bluebikes bicycles are checked in the field 1-2 times a month to ensure they are safe and are operating in top condition.
When you sign-up for your membership, you have the option to add more riders to your account. However, if you have a Student, Group, Income-Eligible, or Boston Bikes Pass discounted membership, any additional riders you add will be added at a full-price. Anyone interested in a discounted pass will need to apply and sign-up for a membership under their own account.
In September 2022, Mayor Wu announced a 100-station expansion of the bike share system in Boston.
These new stations will fill gaps in high-demand areas, making our system more reliable for riders. We'll also add stations in neighborhoods to improve access to the system overall. Today, nearly 90% of Boston households are within a 10-minute walk of a bike share station. We aim for a 3- to 5-minute walk in our denser residential neighborhoods. We also want to be sure all major transit stations and stops are served by bike share stations.
To stay engaged with our expansion plans, you can sign-up for our email list at www.boston.gov/bluebikes#expansion.
If you have questions and would like in-person help with your Bluebikes account, you can visit Boston City Hall during designated Bluebikes drop-in hours:
- Mondays, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- Wednesdays, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Bluebikes is a public bike share system that is jointly-owned and managed by the municipalities of Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Everett, and Somerville. As co-owners of the system, we invest in bikes and station equipment and execute station expansion plans in collaboration with residents. Blue Cross Blue Shield is our title-sponsor. We have contracted with Lyft to operate the system, including rebalancing,
More information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
Boston's Bike Share Journey
Learn more about our history and how Bluebikes grew to be one of the most heavily used public bike share system's in the country!
Guiding Principles
Learn more about the guiding principles that shape bike share planning in Boston
-
Still have questions? Contact:
BOSTON BIKES -
Get Help In-Person
Visit us during drop-in hours:
- Mondays, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m.
