Transportation & Parking

MBTA

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), commonly referred to as "the T," is the primary public agency overseeing public transportation in the Greater Boston area of Massachusetts. The MBTA's extensive transit network encompasses three metro lines (Blue, Orange, and Red lines), two light rail lines (Green and Ashmont–Mattapan lines), and a comprehensive five-line bus rapid transit system (Silver Line). Additionally, the MBTA operates local and express bus services, a twelve-line Commuter Rail system, and various ferry routes

Discounted MBTA Semester Passes

Semester passes may be ordered prior to the start of each semester through Student Financial Services (SFS). There are several benefits to purchasing a MBTA Semester Pass, especially if you are utilizing the MBTA often.

  • 4 monthly passes at an 11% discount from the normal MBTA cost (for September, October, November, and December). Passes are activated September 1.
  • If you lose your LinkPass/Bus Pass (excluding zone passes), the office can request a replacement pass at no cost.

If you would like to purchase a semester pass, please contact SFS.

Visit the MBTA FAQs for help in determining the pass that best suits your needs. If you have any questions, please email sfs@simmons.edu.

Youth Pass Program

The City of Boston wants to ensure that all young people in the city have access to the transportation they need. The MBTA Youth Pass program provides thousands of qualified young people, ages 12-25, with affordable transportation.

Youth Pass cards can be used in two ways:

  • To buy roughly 50% reduced bus or train fares that can be added to the pass in the same way as a CharlieCard, or
  • To buy $30 Youth Link Monthly passes that can be used an unlimited number of times per month.

Learn more about the program and the application process on the City of Boston website.

Access Pass Program

The MBTA Access Pass (TAP) is a program that provides students with disabilities the opportunity to purchase discounted transportation ($30 per month or $10 per week) through the City of Boston. In order to be eligible, a student must provide documentation of their disability, their RIDE ID number, or submit a Health Care Professional Certification (HCPC) form to apply. Check your eligibility and/or apply online.

Transportation from Residence Campus to Academic Campus

Bus routes from Sports Center to Library:

  • #8 Harbor Point Via Ruggles
  • #19 Fields Corner Via Ruggles &
  • #47 Broadway Via Ruggles

Please do not take the CT2 to Ruggles, which goes directly to Huntington Avenue; it does not turn into Louis Pastor Avenue.

Accessibility

Bus drivers can lower bus entrances for passengers if needed. They can also unfold a platform for wheelchairs and strap the wheel of the wheelchair to the bus by lifting some of the seating in the front of the bus. Anyone with crutches will have priority seating in the front of the bus.

Charlie Card Pickup Locations

  • Simmons REEF Center- Dix Scholar & Commuter Lounge
  • Star Market- 33 Kilmarnock St, Boston, MA 02215
  • 7-Eleven- 141 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115
  • Symphony Market- 291 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115

Longwood Collective TMA

As a member institution of MASCO, Simmons students can take advantage of Longwood Collective TMA, a commuter benefits program. Register through their online platform, GoMassCommute. Programs available to Simmons students include:

Personalized Commuting Assistance

Email dfennell@masco.harvard.edu for general questions about getting around, or personalized help planning your trip to campus, or an off-campus internship or job.

CommuteFit – Monthly Prizes

If you walk, bike, or run to campus, or an off-campus internship or job, register online for this program through GoMassCommute and log your miles for a chance to win a monthly raffle.

Ridesharing – Free Gas

The Carpool Incentive Program allows participants to receive up to $250 in free gas cards. Register with GoMassCommute to find other people commuting to the LMA from your home area.

Zipcar Discount – Save $60

Use the MASCO link for discount. Cars are available 24/7, 365 days a year — a great option for day trips outside of Boston or any off-campus errands. Use the Zipcar app to locate cars closest to you.

BlueBikes

Bluebikes is the regional public bike share program owned by Boston, Cambridge, Everett, Somerville, and Brookline. The City of Boston offers a discounted $5 Annual Membership for residents of Boston who meet the income guidelines, apply for income-eligible membership.

Parking

Many landlords charge an additional fee, usually monthly or yearly, for off-street parking arrangements. Parking can cost up to $300 per month per spot. It is not uncommon to find tandem parking spots which may rent for $50-100/month cheaper than a single parking spot in the same neighborhood. Tandem spots require that you share an extended space (large enough for two vehicles to park one behind the other). It is important that you exchange contact information with the person you are sharing a space with and discuss a plan for ensuring that each of you is able to move your car when needed. If your landlord has no available parking spaces, s/he may know of someone who will lease one to you.

A parking space is a precious commodity in Boston, and parking regulations are strictly enforced. Many neighborhoods provide permit stickers to residents that enable you to park within that neighborhood's restricted area. This does not, however, guarantee you a spot. Pay attention to towing signs, street-cleaning restrictions, parking meters, permit requirements, and time limitations. Visit the City of Boston's Parking Clerk page to learn more about parking requirements and regulations in the city.