Commuting & Getting Around

Whether on foot, on wheels, or on board, getting around Boston is a breeze.

Not only is Boston a wonderfully walkable city, the greater Boston area is easily traversed by bicycle, train, bus, car, or ferry, as well. Plus, our University's community benefits from options and discounts to make it easy to visit campus.

The Mass General Brigham Shuttle

2.5M

Riders served by the Mass General Brigham Shuttle annually

7

Institutions served by the Mass General Brigham Shuttle

Exterior view of Massachusetts General Hospital

Mass General Brigham Shuttle

Weekday and weekend schedules for all Mass General Brigham shuttles, including the one between MGH, North Station, and the Charlestown Navy Yard.

MBTA options and discounts.

MBTA Go is the T’s official mobile app for live service information.

You can check arrival times, track vehicles, and learn about the latest closures.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) offers a discount pass program for students. Please note, all policies and procedures related to this discount program are determined by the MBTA, not the Institute.

How to Sign Up

Discounted MBTA passes are available for the fall (September–December) and spring (January–May) semesters only. There are two registration periods each year in advance of each applicable semester.

The Fall 2026 MBTA sign-up window has now passed. The Spring 2027 MBTA Student Discounted Pass sign-up period will open in September 2026. Information on how to sign up will also appear in the IHP This Week (emailed on Thursdays), on IHP-TVs, and on Instagram. For additional guidance, please be sure to review the FAQs tab above.

The sale deadline is set by the MBTA. Students who do not meet the deadline for participating in the semester pass program can buy monthly passes directly from the MBTA. Please read about MBTA affordability initiatives for extended commuter rail savings through fall here.

Payment Information

Payments are made via credit card or sent via check/money order directly to the Office of Student and Affairs and Services. Please note late forms and payments cannot be accepted. Make checks payable to “Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions.” Payment can also be dropped off in person to OSAS on the 4th level of Shouse, or placed in the OSAS lockbox located directly behind the security desk in Shouse.

Mailing Address:

Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions
Office of Student Affairs and Services
Attn: Ronan Campbell
36 1st Avenue
Boston, MA 02129

Contact Ronan Campbell with any questions.

The MBTA’s income-eligible reduced fare program offers reduced fares to riders between the ages of 18 – 64 who are enrolled in an approved state assistance program.

Benefits-eligible employees working 20+ hours/week may receive a 50% pre-tax discounted MBTA monthly pass. Details can be found on AskMyHR.

Should I get an MBTA Semester Pass?

Students are encouraged to determine their preferred route to campus and decide if the “T” is the best option for them. Also, we encourage students to calculate how often they intend to travel on the "T" before purchasing a pass. Students who use the "T" to come to campus a few times a week may not need to purchase a pass. The semester pass is best for students who intend the use the “T” for approximately 17 or more roundtrips per semester. Visit the MBTA website for more information. Be sure to choose a pass type that best matches your commuting needs.

What sort of pass should I get?

MBTA service across the greater Boston region is organized by zones. Be sure to check with the MBTA and register for the pass most suitable to your commute.

Can I turn my order form in late?

Strict payment deadlines are set by the MBTA. Unfortunately, we are not able to process late requests.

What if I have questions?

For specific questions about your commuting options, please contact MBTA customer support.

For questions about the program or your pass purchase, please rcampbell [at] mghihp.edu (subject: MBTA%20Passes) (email) Ronan Campbell or call (617) 724-2742.

How do I purchase a pass?

Information on how to sign up will appear in the University's weekly newsletter (emailed on Thursdays), on on-campus TVs, and on Instagram.

Where and when can I pick up my pass?

Once you receive an email alerting you that passes are available, you can pick up your MBTA pass in OSAS, located on the 4th floor of Shouse (Building 36), between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

LINK Passes are given as Charlie Cards and the same card is used for the full semester (this only needs to be picked up once).

All other passes are distributed as monthly passes; these will need to be picked up each month. Passes are typically available a few days before the start of each new month.

What if I lose my pass?

For LINK passes, the MBTA has a tracking system in place, which means your card can be deactivated and replaced. If you lose your LINK Pass, please notify OSAS, and we will contact the MBTA to have them send us a new Charlie Card with a LINK pass loaded on it.

The MBTA may take two weeks to send a replacement pass. Unfortunately, if you lose any other type of pass, we are NOT able to replace it or switch it to a different type of pass, as the MBTA does not have a tracking system in place to replace monthly passes.

Can I cancel my MBTA pass?

Once the order is placed, the MBTA will not allow cancellations. However, each semester is optional.

Can I change my pass after I submit my request?

There is a small window of time during registration when OSAS may be able to change your request. However, once OSAS submits your order to the MBTA, no further changes are permitted.

Can I get a refund or exchange?

The MBTA does not allow refunds or exchanges.

What forms of payment are accepted?

Payments via credit card or check/money order are accepted, made payable to “Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions". Any payments received after the deadline will not be accepted and will be returned.

Cash payments are not accepted.