Boston-area transit system to offer free fare days, discounts to make up for snow breakdowns

The board overseeing the Boston-area's beleaguered public transit system has voted to offer free fares for one day and discounts for monthly pass holders to compensate riders for massive weather-related breakdowns.

Under the two-part plan unanimously approved Wednesday, cash-paying customers using the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority trains, subways, buses and ferries would be able to ride free for one day, on Friday, April 24.

The second part of the plan calls for a 15 percent discount on purchases of monthly T passes in May.

MBTA officials estimate the total plan will cost the agency $5 million in lost revenue.

The MBTA was beset by equipment breakdowns during the spate of winter storms that dropped more than 100 inches of snow on parts of the region during a six-week period. Riders were left frustrated by delayed and canceled trains.