Transportation

Boston College actively promotes the use of alternative transportation.  The Transportation Department offers organized car pools, bike racks and free shuttles, supports public transportation through discounted T-passes, and provides a space for a ZipCar.  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 our What You Can Do page.  Want to learn more about your cars fuel efficiency?  Visit FuelEconomy.gov to find out.

Boston College is the winner of the MassRides 2008 Bike to Work Week Challenge for Worksite Participation.  BC had 29 participants, nearly 3 times that of last year.  Read more by the Boston College Transportation Department or see the Boston Globe article Record Numbers of Bicyclists on the Roads.

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.  Boston College offers many services to the bicyclist to aid in their commute and in securing their equipment.  Both campuses have several bike rack locations and locker areas with showers to prepare for the day after a long ride.  See our What You Can Do page to read how Boston College faculty commute by biking, or visit MassBike for all your need-to-know information on bicycling.

The Boston Globe: July 21, 2008 - Look Ma, No Car!

"Bike To Work Week" Winners

Boston College is the winner of the MassRides 2008 Bike to Work Week Challenge for Worksite Participation.  BC had 29 participants, nearly 3 times that of last year. Read More by the Boston College Transportation Department or the Boston Globe article, Record Numbers of Bicyclists on the Roads.

Boston College urges all Faculty and Staff to consider carpooling to and from the University.  Not only will this aid in taking many cars off the road but it will be less expensive and helps reduce pollutants.  It will also help the University introduce new carpool features for the long run.

Carpooling also rewards all commuters because less parking is needed at BC and all carpools will be guaranteed a prime parking location on campus.  Additionally, as of Fall 2007 the carpool permit rate was cut to $100 (pervious $200), making it cheaper for each person in the carpool.

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. 

When you register for the Boston College Rideshare Program and use an alternative mode to get to work, you'll have a Boston College Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) available in an emergency.

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 lowered and fewer vehicles on our over-crowded highways means faster commute times and reduces the need to park a vehicle on campus.

As Massachusetts' statewide commuter services organization, MassRIDES provides assistance to commuters, companies, and Transportation Management Associations throughout the Commonwealth. Not only do vanpools exist that are solely for one company, but many provide service to many local employees of other businesses, schools, colleges, and universities. MassRIDES can match you up with a convenient group geared to your schedule and locations.

MBTA

The MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) runs the subway and bus system in Boston and the Commuter Rail lines that come into North and South Stations.

A variety of passes and fares are available to fit your commuting needs.  With the Charlie Ticket, subway rides are $2.00.  The basic bus fare is $1.50 with the Charlie Ticket.  Children under 11 ride free when accompanied by a paying adult.  Monthly passes allow for unlimited travel on all MBTA services and have 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.  Click here to learn more about this fuel-efficient vehicle.

As part of Boston College's overall efforts to offer the community alternatives to driving to work or class, the University is proud to announce a new partnership with Zipcar.  Zipcar is easily accessed from Boston College, with one new car directly on campus and seven cars near campus.  Additionally, Zipcar offers Boston College employees and students a discounted annual membership of $25, a savings of $150!

Read the Heights article Zipcar Comes to Campus

Transportation Department

A wealth of related information can be found at the Transportation Department’s website, including appeals, athletic event parking, BC shuttle bus, contact details, forms, handicapped access, off-campus parking, parking permits and applications, regulations and enforcement as well as visitor parking information.