Simmons CollegeTransportation Summary

Written by Krista Evans

Krista Evans

Hometown

Florence, AL

Major

Political Science/International Relations

View all previous student authors

Like its urban peers, Boston is equipped with bus lines and an underground subway system. The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) crisscrosses the Boston area. The subway system—the T—connects the Red, Blue, Orange, Green, and Silver lines. The colors of the system lines are identifiable by key landmarks—for example, the Green line is named for the green of Fenway Park. Much to the disadvantage of busy students, the Green line is the most unreliable of the lines, and it is also more expensive than the other lines. Subway passes are offered at a discounted rate for students at the beginning of each semester, which helps cut back on the fare. It is easy to get an understanding of the system, even for students from areas without subways of their own.

Unfortunately, the subway system runs on a restricted schedule, and after 1 a.m., taxis become the only mode of transportation for students out for a late night. Simmons does provide taxi vouchers for students with disabilities or a broken leg. Above-ground bus lines fill in the gaps that the T does not service, but because Boston is a walkable city, it is sometimes faster to walk up the block than take the T or to bring a bicycle. During the Boston winters, the commute to the Academic Campus becomes generally difficult and frustrating. Do not be alarmed if you see Bostonians skiing up the street.