Boston University
OP-T2-29: Mass Transit Programs

The Charles River Campus is organized along the MBTA’s B Line with nine campus stops along Commonwealth Avenue. The C and D lines serve South Campus. Boston’s mass transit network extends beyond its subway and trolley system with four bus lines that serve the Charles River Campus. The Medical Campus (BUMC) has eight bus routes which connect the University with twelve neighboring communities. The MBTA offers a Semester T-Pass program through the University and BUMC, which provides an 11% discount. Monthly T-Passes are available with pre-tax dollars for faculty and staff on the CRC through the Employee MBTA Pass Program, and on the BUMC campus, through the BUMC Parking and Transportation Office (TranSComm). In September 2004 the University established the Boston University Shuttle: “The BUS”, a free inter-campus shuttle service between the Charles River Campus and the Medical Campus incorporating 11 stops. Service has continuously been upgraded with buses added, and hours extended, including late night and evening shuttle service. The BUS operates on a 10 to 20 minute frequency on a daily basis depending on the time of day and has real time tracking available on mobile devices. The MIT shuttle bus provides a link between the Charles River and MIT campuses.

Boston University provides all Charles River Campus students with the opportunity to enroll in the MBTA’s semester pass program. BU’s Parking & Transportation Services administers that program for the MBTA on the CRC. The Student Semester Passes are loaded on CharlieCards (a stored value smart card used for electronic ticketing as part of the MBTA’s automated fare collection system). Many full-time students take the opportunity to secure their online Semester Pass purchases using their Student Account balance.