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Commuting and Transportation

Flexible Commuting to Campus

Transportation Services is providing more flexible programs and services to meet the shifting needs of the Harvard community as many employees return to work or adopt hybrid work schedules. Please visit the Transportation Services website for more information.

Harvard’s campuses are conveniently located and served by extensive public transportation. The University is proud that its financial support for a variety of transportation and commuting options helps keep our driving rate significantly below national and state and local averages.

Explore your commuting options and receive significant transit discounts and benefits through Harvard CommuterChoice.

For Harvard Longwood Campus commuters, Harvard partners with The Longwood Collective (617-632-2800) to bring you additional services through the CommuteWorks program, along with LMA shuttles to Cambridge and to major transit stations.

Half-priced MBTA passes and pre-tax transit passes

  • Harvard offers a 50 percent subsidy on monthly bus, subway, commuter rail and commuter boat passes for benefits-eligible employees. Visit Harvard CommuterChoice online for more information.
  • You may also sign up for pretax savings on private transit passes and parking expenses related to commuting by MBTA or other public transit, up to pretax limits. Contact Harvard CommuterChoice for more information.

CommuterChoice discounts and programs

Harvard CommuterChoice also offers a range of commute planning tools and transportation options.

  • Bicycle Commuter Benefit: Reimbursement of up to $30 per month (up to $360 per year, post-tax) for costs associated with bicycle purchase, improvement, repair and storage.
  • Carpool: Carpool to work with a colleague four or five days a week and save from 50–75% on an annual parking permit.
  • Commute With Confidence: Reduce the stress of your commute with supplemental transportation services including Guaranteed Ride Home, and Roadside Assistance for bicyclists and drivers.
  • HARVie Classifieds has a ride-share listing along with a Transportation and Commuting community "conversations" board.
     
  • Blue Bikes: Join Metro-Boston's regional bike-share program. Discounted annual membership for Harvard affiliates.
  • Zipcar: 24/7 access to cars and vans for convenient short-term rentals. Discounted memberships available for Harvard affiliates.
  • Personalized Commuting Assistance: If you have questions about your commute at any point during your time at Harvard (even before your first day!), CommuterChoice can help you decide on the best option for your needs.
  • Free helmets and bike lights at the Campus Service Center (Smith Center, 8th floor).

Harvard shuttle services

Shuttles provide safe and reliable transportation throughout the Cambridge and Allston campuses as well as LMA shuttles, which run between Cambridge and the Harvard Longwood Campus. Shuttles are accessible for all riders with a Harvard ID. Track the shuttles in real time at shuttle.harvard.edu

Parking

Annual parking permits, daily permits, and hourly parking permits are available across Cambridge and Allston Program details and prices can be found at www.parking.harvard.edu. Parking is limited, so there may be a waiting list for some facilities.

2024-2025 Parking Updates Effective July 1, 2024

Select annual parking permit costs will be based on four salary tiers. These tiered rates are for full-time, benefits-eligible employees purchasing an annual 5-day commuter parking permit.

Visit Harvard Transportation Services for more information.

Parking is especially limited in the Harvard Longwood Campus (HLC). For HLC parking passes and information, visit the Harvard Longwood Parking and Commuter Services website.

Auto insurance discounts

Eligible employees who live in Massachusetts can receive a discount of 8-11% on auto insurance with MetLife or Liberty Mutual Insurance (and a 10% discount on a homeowner’s policy if you insure both auto and home). Paying your premiums through payroll deduction eliminates interest charges and service fees. To request a free, no-obligation quote or more information, visit the voluntary benefits site or call 866-228-3516. 

 

Updated 4/17/2024