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Yesterday, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) board adopted a new fare structure.

Beginning in January, passengers will be able to transfer from the authority’s subway system to buses at no extra charge. Passengers that use the CharlieCard —MBTA’s version of the smart card — will pay a flat rate of $1.70 per subway ride. Cash fares will include a 30-cent surcharge.

In addition, the price of monthly commuter-rail passes will increase between 23 percent and 28 percent, depending on travel distance. And, MBTA will offer a new LinkPass. Available in monthly or seven-day increments, the pass will offer unlimited rides on MBTA’s five rail lines and more than 150 bus routes.

Meanwhile, weekly pass prices will drop from $16.50 to $15 and MBTA will eliminate exit fares, higher fares at outlying stations and free fares at surface stops along the four branches of the Green Line.