Transportation
“the starting point for a better world is the belief that it is possible.” —norman cousins, journalist, professor, and world peace advocate
Boston College actively promotes the use of alternative transportation. The Transportation Department offers organized car pools, bike racks, and free shuttles as well as supports public transportation through discounted MBTA passes.
Members of the Boston College community can easily and efficiently commute to or from campus or travel the city by using the methods below. Incorporating just one of these travel options into your commuting routine a few times a week greatly reduces your impact on the environment.
For more information on how you can travel eco-friendly, as well as shop and conserve to preserve the environment, please visit the Commuting page in our What You Can Do section. To learn more about your car's fuel efficiency, visit FuelEconomy.gov.
Bicycles
Bicycles on campus are a common sight, whether it’s a student traveling between classes, a commuter taking a day off from the grind of traffic jams on a sunny spring morning, or one of the Boston College Police Officers ensuring safety around campus. BC offers many services to bicyclists to help them commute and secure their equipment. Both campuses have several bike rack locations and locker areas with showers to prepare for the day after a long ride. See the Commuting page in our What You Can Do section to read how BC faculty commute by biking, or visit MassBike for all your need-to-know information on bicycling.
Carpools
Boston College urges all faculty and staff to consider carpooling to and from the University. Not only will this help take many cars off the road, thereby reducing pollutants, but it also saves you money, and it will help the University introduce new carpool features for the long run. Carpooling also rewards all commuters by freeing up parking at BC.
Guaranteed Ride Home
Many commuters like the idea of using public transportation or ridesharing, but are afraid of being stranded during an emergency. Boston College realizes these complexities in the daily life of the working family and therefore offers a guaranteed ride home for registered Rideshare Program employee participants. There are limitations, but when that emergency arises, there is a solution.
MassRides — Vanpools
Vanpools are an excellent way to get to work. Avoid the costly repairs and fuel expenses of driving, and make a friend or two along the way. Though it means less independence or the inability to stay late to get that one task done, vanpooling can help you and the community. Emissions are reduced, and fewer vehicles on our overcrowded highways means faster commute times and more parking space on campus.
As Massachusetts' statewide commuter services organization, MassRIDES provides assistance to commuters, companies, and transportation management associations throughout the Commonwealth. While some vanpools serve solely one company, many others serve employees of multiple local businesses and educational institutions. MassRIDES can match you up with a convenient group geared to your schedule and locations.
MBTA
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), known as "the T" for short, runs the subway and bus system in Boston and the commuter rail lines that serve North and South Stations.
A variety of passes and fares are available to fit your commuting needs. Monthly passes permit unlimited travel on all MBTA services and offer built-in discounts and benefits such as reduced auto insurance rates. Student discount semester passes are available at Student Services in Lyons Hall, room 103.
Hybrid Car
The Environmental Health & Safety Department recently purchased a Ford Escape Hybrid. The new wheels are stylish and eco-friendly at 34 mpg. Learn more about this fuel-efficient vehicle.
Transportation Department
A wealth of related information can be found at the Transportation Department’s website, including about parking ticket appeals, athletic event parking, BC Shuttle Bus, contact details, forms, handicapped access, off-campus parking, parking permits and applications, regulations and enforcement, and visitor parking information.