My Simmons

Transportation

Whether you are driving, biking, bussing, taking the train, or a combination, this webpage will guide you through your options. Questions? Email [email protected] to request a meeting and our team is more than helpful to support you in your transportation planning!

MBTA

An introduction and quick links

The MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) or “the T”, includes local, commuter, and bus transportation lines throughout Boston and New England.

Train/Bus Lines Close to Simmons

Train

  • Green Line E Train (MFA Stop and Longwood Medical Stop are closest to Academic Campus)
  • Green Line D Train (Fenway Stop is closest to Residential Campus)
  • Orange Line (Ruggles Station is a quick bus, bike ride, or free MASCO shuttle from Simmons academic campus. It is also walkable).

Bus

  • 8, 19, 47, 65, CT2, etc.

For students looking for transportation between our academic and residential campus, the following bus routes can be used from the Simmons Sports Center to Simmons Library:

  • #8 Harbor Point via Ruggles
  • #19 Fields Corner via Ruggles
  • #47 Broadway via Ruggles

Be advised, you cannot take the CT2 to Ruggles, which goes directly to Huntington Avenue; it does not turn into Louis Pastor Avenue.

Pre-order Discounted MBTA SemesterPass through Simmons

If you plan to utilize the MBTA weekly, the Semester Pass may be a cost-saving choice for you! Passes may be ordered prior to the start of each semester through Student Financial Services (SFS). You will receive an email to your student email outlining the ordering process each semester. The MBTA semester pass can be purchased for an 11% discount from the standard MBTA Pass and is most useful for frequent riders.

  • The deadline for the Fall MBTA Semester Pass is August 2, 2024.
  • Questions? Email [email protected].

Explore Reduced Fares

The City of Boston/ Massachusetts offers several reduced fare programs. These include:

CharlieCard Pickup Locations

A CharlieCard is a reusable, contactless smart card that can be used to pay for transportation in the local Boston area and Zone 1A. Charlie Cards can be used by any rider. Riders enrolled in MBTA Semester Pass or other reduced pass programs will receive a separate card when enrolled and do not need a separate CharlieCard.

  • Simmons REEF Center – Dix Scholar & Commuter Lounge
  • Star Market- 33 Kilmarnock St, Boston, MA 02215 (near Simmons)
  • 7-Eleven- 141 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115 (near Simmons)
  • Symphony Market- 291 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115 (near Simmons)
  • All Boston Public Library branches
  • Many MBTA Stations

Free Fare for Bus Routes 23, 28, & 29

Service on routes 23, 28, and 29 will be fare free for two years from March 1, 2022 through February 29, 2024. These routes travel through Roxbury and Dorchester, connecting riders to four stations: Ruggles, Jackson Square, Mattapan, and Ashmont.

Accessibility and The RIDE Paratransit Service

The RIDE Paratransit service provides door-to-door, shared-ride public transportation to people who can’t use the subway, bus, or trolley, all or some of the time due to temporary or permanent disability. The RIDE is available year-round in 58 cities and towns in the greater Boston area, with similar operating hours to the MBTA. Students can learn more about The RIDE services and eligibility at mbta.com.

Trains/buses: Bus drivers can lower bus entrances for passengers who use mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Priority seating is located on all public transit vehicles and elevators can be found at each station. Visit MBTA Accessibility for more information

REEF MBTA Transit Tips

  • Get to the train/bus early! There are often delays, especially with rain or snow
  • The green line can be slow, especially if there is a Red Sox home game (D Line)
  • Maps of the MBTA lines are located at every station and inside each train car/bus
  • The train/bus can get packed and there can be significant body heat. Pack a water bottle or an extra mask to refresh
  • Remove your backpack if carrying one so that more riders have room on a packed train
  • In the winter, the ride can get hot with a packed vehicle. Wear layers so you can easily remove them during your transit if needed
  • Bus rides can often be more direct and require fewer transfer rides but can take longer due to traffic during rush hours

CommuteWorks

As a member institution of MASCO, Simmons students can take advantage of CommuteWorks, a commuter benefits program. Email [email protected] with questions or to sign up. Check out some of the CommuteWorks programs available to Simmons students:

Personalized Commuting Assistance

Email [email protected] for general questions about getting around, or personalized help planning your trip to campus, or an off-campus internship or job.

CommuteFit – Monthly Prizes

If you walk, bike, or run to campus, or an off-campus internship or job, register online for this program. Simply register with GoMassCommute and log your miles for a chance to win our monthly raffle.

Ridesharing – Free Gas

The Carpool Incentive Program allows participants to receive up to $250 in free gas cards. Register with GoMassCommute to find other people commuting to the LMA from your home area.

Zipcar Discount – Save $60

Use the MASCO link for a discount. Cars are available 24/7, 365 days a year — a great option for day trips outside of Boston or any off-campus errands. Use the Zipcar app to locate cars closest to you.

Free MASCO Shuttle

MASCO has several other buses that transport riders to the Longwood medical area. Buses run every 8-10 minutes.

  • MASCO shuttles are free to students and Simmons employees. You must show Simmons ID to board with the exceptions of:
    • The M2 shuttle requires either Harvard ID or ticket ($4 for single ride).
    • The Chestnut Hill shuttle requires a registered parking pass at the Shops at Chestnut Hill parking garage.
  • Please visit the MASCO website for the most up to date route and schedule information.

Driving to Campus and Parking

There is extremely limited metered parking near Simmons University. Simmons students, faculty, and staff can choose to park in the Simmons University Garage. Please find pay as you go and semester parking pass options at the Simmons Parking Garage website.

Biking in Boston

Have your own bike? Enjoy our outdoor bike racks on the Simmons campus.

Looking to start biking? Bluebikes is the regional public bike share program owned by Boston, Cambridge, Everett, Somerville, and Brookline. Boston has many bike lanes and provides both manual and e-bike options for one-time, weekend, monthly, or yearly memberships.