Smith CollegeTransportation Summary

Written by Dara Kagan

Dara Kagan

Hometown

Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.

Major

Government, with a minor in the Study of Women and Gender

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The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) is a Smithie’s greatest resource for getting around to other colleges. However, there are a few negative side effects of being a regular bus commuter to a class at another college or even the mall. The buses are often late, and waiting for one in bad weather can ruin your whole day. The buses run every half-hour or hour, depending on the day, and traffic can sometimes cause long delays. It is a huge time commitment to take the bus, which is why many students who take classes at other colleges have a personal car. On the other hand, the buses themselves are very clean and safe. Despite the time issue and the occasional rowdy Friday night crowd, it’s incredible that Smith students can use this resource for free (with a student ID) and still live so far from a major city. Without the PVTA system, students wouldn’t be able to get off campus as much as they do to explore both personal and academic opportunities in the Pioneer Valley.

For students looking to travel outside the Pioneer Valley, the Peter Pan Bus is extremely convenient—there's a station right in downtown Northampton. There is an Amtrak station in Springfield that is accessible via Peter Pan, and Bradley International Airport is only 40 minutes away. Overall, Smith students don't have a hard time finding ways to get around the area and beyond.