MBTA, TriMet and Surfliner bring summer transit promotions

Summer transit promotions are reshaping rail travel in several U.S. regions. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, TriMet, and the MBTA are all entering a busy season. It brings fare offers, service changes, and a major fleet farewell. For riders in Southern California, Portland, and Massachusetts, the updates range from discounted trips to public events and temporary schedule adjustments.

The effect is immediate. Pacific Surfliner is tying train travel to Los Angeles’ summer soccer calendar. TriMet is preparing to retire its Type 1 MAX trains. The MBTA is using lower fares and broader pass flexibility during a crowded statewide events season.

Summer transit promotions and service changes

Each agency is approaching summer differently. Still, the timing is closely aligned. One operator is promoting rail as an easier alternative to traffic during a high-profile travel period. Another is closing out the service life of a fleet that helped shape modern light rail in the United States. Meanwhile, the MBTA is combining fare relief with wider travel flexibility as Massachusetts gets ready for heavier seasonal demand.

Pacific Surfliner targets Los Angeles summer travel

As Southern California prepares for a summer of internationally watched soccer matches, the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board announced a partnership on March 30. It is designed to help fans travel with ease. The focus is Los Angeles and the greater Southern California region on match days and beyond.

LOSSAN oversees the Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® service. Railway Supply previously covered the added daily roundtrip between San Diego and Los Angeles. Also, a wrapped train car will run along the 351-mile coastal corridor. It will build excitement and celebrate the region. It will also remind riders of the world’s most-watched soccer matches coming to Los Angeles this summer.

Jason Jewell, LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency Managing Director, said:

“Southern California is built for moments like this—world-class sports, iconic destinations, and a connected coastline,”

“By partnering with the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, we’re making it easier for soccer fans from around the globe, as well as local supporters, to experience Los Angeles without the stress of traffic or parking, while also discovering everything Southern California has to offer.”

The fare offer is limited in time. Travelers can get a 20% discount on Pacific Surfliner trips to and from Los Angeles from May 1, 2026, through July 15, 2026.

Eileen Hanson, Chief Marketing Officer of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, said:

“Los Angeles is ready to welcome fans from near and far this summer,”

“Pacific Surfliner makes it easy for visitors to experience LA like a local by arriving sustainably, exploring beyond the stadium, and discovering the diverse neighborhoods, beaches, and iconic attractions that make Los Angeles such a dynamic global destination.”

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TriMet prepares a farewell for Type 1 MAX trains

TriMet will hold a public sendoff for its Type 1 MAX light rail vehicles on Saturday, April 18, from noon to 3 p.m. The event will take place at Holladay Park in Northeast Portland. It is next to the agency’s Lloyd Center/NE 11th Ave MAX Station.

The gathering will give the public one more chance to see the fleet. It may also be a last chance to interact with it. The trains have been part of the region’s transportation story for 40 years. According to the agency, they have provided hundreds of thousands of trips over that span.

The Type 1 cars entered service in 1986. They launched modern light rail in the Portland metro area. TriMet says they also helped establish a model for other public transportation agencies. After almost four decades in operation, the remaining vehicles are now 10 years beyond their due date. Their time in service is nearly over.

The agency began taking the trains out of service in 2024. It also began preparing them for recycling or donation as the Type 6 fleet arrived. In addition, TriMet said the Type 1s had outlived their intended lifecycle. Sourcing replacement parts had also become increasingly difficult. They are also among the oldest light rail vehicles still operating on a major transit system in the United States.

Sam Desue Jr., TriMet General Manager, said:

“As much as the Type 1 has served as a reliable means of transportation for countless people over the decades, it has also acted as an inspiration for what’s possible here at TriMet,”

“Without top-notch mechanics, operators, supervisors, cleaners and others, these trains would not have been able to provide the decades of service they have.”

TriMet said the April 18 event will celebrate the 40-year history of the Type 1. It will also recognize current and retired employees who helped keep these trains running amid a changing system.

MBTA expands summer fare relief for Commuter Rail riders

In Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey announced on March 31 a summer package of MBTA Commuter Rail fare promotions and discounts. The package is intended to lower costs for riders, support regular commuters, and encourage more people to choose public transportation ahead of a busy statewide events season.

Healey made the announcement Monday at North Station. She appeared with Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Interim Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. They outlined four Commuter Rail promotions for June, July, and August. The package includes Free Fridays, a 50% discount on monthly passes, and more. Depending on the route, monthly passholders will save between $321 and $639 over the summer.

The MBTA said major events and increased travel are expected across the state this summer. The administration wants to provide a reliable and affordable alternative to driving. It also wants to reduce congestion, support daily commuters, and keep Massachusetts moving. Additionally, the agency said the measures will help residents and visitors get around during a busy summer. They are also meant to make public transportation a more convenient choice for everyday travel.

Phillip Eng, Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager and CEO, said:

“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,”

“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.”

Summer fare promotions

The fare promotions for June, July, and August 2026 are as follows:

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.

Calendar month Commuter Rail passes for June, July, and August 2026 will be discounted by 50%. 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. Also, all non-calendar month Commuter Rail products will remain at their standard prices. For example, single-ride tickets, 5-Day Flex Passes, and Weekend Passes stay at regular prices.

Weekend travel flexibility

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. Interzone pass holders may travel through Interzone 10. This does not apply to Zone 1A passes or ferry service. At the same time, regular fares will be in place for Boston Stadium Trains, the CapeFLYER, and any other special event trains to Foxboro.

Separately, monthly pass holders may bring one companion on any weekend Commuter Rail trip covered by their pass for $1 each way. 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.

World Cup service adjustments

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

The MBTA says it recognizes that these temporary schedule changes may affect regular riders. Still, 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.

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