TRA - Pushcarts

MBTA Retail Concession Program

The MBTA is temporarily NOT accepting applications to rent retail concession space in the stations. For more information, please contact Donna Hill in the MBTA Real Estate office at 617-222-3428.

The MBTA has retail vending opportunities throughout the transit system. The MBTA provides a fixed location or a space for the pushcarts, and where available, access to electricity. The pushcart, and all other supplies, must be provided by the business owner. Vending opportunities are limited to locations approved by MBTA Transit Police, Safety and Operations departments.

Obtaining a license to operate a pushcart or other retail location is available by application only. Completing an application does not guarantee that you will receive a location. If approved for operating a location, you will be issued a one (1) year license, which is renewable after the first year. If you are interested in pursuing a license to operate a retail business on MBTA property, please follow the steps listed below.

STEP 1. Call Donna Hill, MBTA Property Coordinator, at 617-222-3428, to schedule an appointment to discuss submitting an application. She is available by appointment only at Transit Realty Associates, LLC, 77 Franklin Street, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02110. Please bring a government-issued photo identification to your appointment, such as a driver’s license, military identification card, passport or green card.

STEP 2. Complete and submit the following: MBTA Pushcart (Retail) Program Application as well as an MBTA Access Privilege Application for each proposed employee. The approval process can take up to 30 business days. You will be promptly notified of the results of your request.

Pushcart (Retail) Program Application (PDF)

Pushcart (Retail) Program Application Directions (PDF)

Pushcart (Retail) License for Transit Stations (PDF) (SAMPLE)

Pushcart (Retail) Program for Railroad Stations (PDF) (SAMPLE)

MBTA Access Privilege Application Form (PDF)

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the application and license documents.

STEP 3. If your application is approved, you will be notified by Donna Hill and she will schedule an appointment to finalize your license agreement and obtain your MBTA photo identification cards for you and your employees.