The PULSE Program will cover students' travel expenses to and from PULSE placements as outlined by the following policies:
1. Public Transportation. During designated distribution periods, you may come to the PULSE office in McElroy 117 to obtain Charlie Cards for use on MBTA trains, subways and buses. Due to the limitations of the current stored value card system, it is rarely possible to issue the exact amount necessary to cover your travel costs during a given period. Therefore, you will be given the closest possible amount of stored value. It is your responsibility to pick up your Charlie Cards before needing them. The PULSE Program cannot distribute travel funds for more than two trips per week to your placement. Charlie Cards will not be issued outside designated distribution periods. Please consult the 2007-2008 PULSE calendar for distribution dates.
2. Reimbursement. During designated travel reimbursement periods, you may come to the PULSE office in McElroy 117 and be reimbursed for any remaining travel costs not covered by the stored value on your Charlie Cards. Travel reimbursement will not be available outside designated periods and will only be available to students who picked up their Charlie Cards. Please consult the 2007-2008 PULSE calendar for reimbursement dates.
3. Lost or Stolen Charlie Cards. The PULSE Program is not responsible for lost Charlie Cards. Transportation costs become the responsibility of the PULSE student if PULSE-issued cards are lost. The same applies to stolen Charlie Cards. If you believe extenuating circumstances are involved, please see a PULSE staff member. When you receive your Charlie Cards, you should record the serial numbers of each card in a safe place. Serial numbers are located on the lower left corner of your Charlie Card. In the event of loss or theft, students may contact MBTA Customer Support directly. If you know the serial numbers, it may be possible for MBTA representatives to deactivate lost or stolen cards and transfer any remaining stored value onto a new card.
4. Car Mileage. If you drive to your placement, you may be reimbursed during designated travel reimbursement periods. If your placement is accessible by public transportation, you will be reimbursed for the amount that would have been needed for public transportation or the federal mileage amount (whichever is less). Students cannot be reimbursed for driving to placements served by the PULSE van.
5. PULSE Vans. There are strict policies governing the use of the PULSE vans. Vans are used only for placements which are not accessible by public transportation or have safety concerns. In most cases, PULSE vans are driven by work-study students hired for this purpose. Other PULSE students may be given special permission to drive a PULSE van to their placements, subject to the considerations above. All van passengers and drivers will be required to sign a PULSE van contract and abide by the policies stated in the contract.