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MBTA Semester Pass

MBTA Semester Pass Information for Students

Navigating Boston’s public transportation system as a student can be affordable and convenient, especially with the MBTA Semester Pass program. Below are the details for the MBTA Semester Pass for four major Boston colleges: Boston University, MIT, Harvard, and Northeastern University, with student-friendly advice and additional tips for each institution.

Boston University (BU)

MBTA Semester Pass Program
Boston University students can benefit from the MBTA Semester Pass program, which offers unlimited rides on the subway, buses, and other MBTA services during the fall and spring semesters. Students can save money while commuting around Boston using this pass.

  • How to Enroll: The passes can be purchased through BU’s Student Link Portal before the start of each semester. The university provides an 11% discount on the cost.

  • Distribution: Passes are distributed electronically and can be linked to your CharlieCard.

  • Eligibility: Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible.

Additional BU-Specific Tips

  • Green Line Access: BU has three main Green Line stops along Commonwealth Avenue: BU West, BU Central, and BU East. The Green Line’s B Branch serves as the most convenient option for commuting to and from campus.

  • BU Shuttle: The free BU Shuttle runs frequently along Commonwealth Avenue, providing convenient transport between West, Central, and East campuses.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT’s MBTA T-Pass Program
MIT provides substantial discounts on MBTA passes, making it highly affordable for students to commute. The pass includes options for buses, subways, commuter rail, and ferries.

  • Subsidies: MIT offers a 50% subsidy for most students, with some eligible for a 70% subsidy depending on their program.

  • How to Enroll: Enroll through your Atlas account, and passes are distributed either electronically or for pickup at the Atlas Service Center.

  • Types of Passes: Students can choose from monthly local bus passes, LinkPasses (which cover subway and bus rides), commuter rail, and ferry passes.

Additional MIT-Specific Tips

  • Red Line Access: The Kendall/MIT station on the Red Line provides direct access to campus and is a primary hub for students commuting into and around Boston.

  • Bike-Friendly Campus: MIT is a bike-friendly campus, and students often use Bluebikes for short trips, with discounts available for MIT students.

Harvard University

MBTA Semester Pass Program at Harvard
Harvard students can take advantage of the MBTA Semester Pass, which provides unlimited rides on the subway and buses with discounts through the Harvard Transportation Office.

  • How to Enroll: Students can sign up for the pass through Harvard’s transportation services website. Orders must be placed by a certain deadline each semester.

  • Discount: The pass comes with a 60% discount for eligible students.

Additional Harvard-Specific Tips

  • Red Line Access: Harvard Square, on the Red Line, is the primary station for Harvard students. This line runs between Cambridge and downtown Boston, making it easy to commute between campuses and the city center.

  • Harvard Shuttle: In addition to the MBTA, Harvard offers a free shuttle service that runs across the Cambridge and Allston campuses.

Northeastern University

Northeastern MBTA Semester Pass Program
Northeastern offers the MBTA Semester Pass to students with an 11% discount, making commuting via subway and bus more affordable.

  • How to Enroll: Students can sign up for the pass through Northeastern’s Student Hub Portal.

  • Deadlines: Be sure to enroll before the deadline, which is typically the first day of the month preceding the semester start.

Additional Northeastern-Specific Tips

  • Green and Orange Line Access: Northeastern has easy access to both the Green Line (Northeastern University station) and the Orange Line (Ruggles station), providing students with multiple commuting options.

  • RedEye Shuttle: For late-night commutes, Northeastern offers the RedEye Shuttle, which runs from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM and is free for students.

General Tips for Students

  • Use a CharlieCard: It’s a reusable smart card that offers the lowest fares and free transfers between subway and buses.

  • MBTA Apps: Use the MBTA’s official app or Google Maps to check real-time schedules and plan your trips.

  • Safety: While Boston’s public transit is generally safe, be cautious late at night, and try to travel with friends.

By enrolling in the MBTA Semester Pass program, students can save money while navigating Boston’s extensive public transportation system. Whether you're commuting to class or exploring the city, the MBTA is your go-to option for affordable and reliable travel.