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 the IHP community benefits from options and discounts to make it easy to visit campus.

The MGB Shuttle

2.5M

Number of annual riders served by the MGB Shuttle

7

Number of institutions served by the MGB Shuttle

MGB Shuttle

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

MBTA options and discounts.

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 Spring 2025 MBTA sign-up application is now available. Passes will function from January 1, 2025 through May 31, 2025 and the deadline to sign up is December 11. Information on how to sign up will also appear in the IHP This Week (emailed on Thursdays), on IHP-TVs, and on Instagram. Students are encouraged to research and select the pass that best fits their needs as refunds cannot be reissued once a pass is ordered.

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 , however, not at a discount.

Payment Information

Payments are sent directly to the Office of Student and Affairs and Services. Please note late forms and payments cannot be accepted. Make checks payable to “MGH Institute of Health Professions.”

Mailing Address:

MGH Institute of Health Professions
Office of Student Affairs and Services
Attn: Ronan Campbell
36 1st Avenue
Boston, MA 02129

rcampbell [at] mghihp.edu (subject: T%20passes) (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.

For Faculty and Staff, information on commuter services can be found on the Intranet.

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.

What forms of payment are accepted?

Only payments via check or money order are accepted, made payable to “MGH IHP.” Any payments received after the deadline will not be accepted and will be returned.

Cash and credit/debit card payments are not accepted.

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 and the required forms will appear in the IHP News.

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 first floor of Building 39, 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.