University of Massachusetts - Amherst
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University of Massachusetts - Amherst - Transportation - Transportation - College ProwlerCollege Prowler4.24

Transportation

Quick Stats

Best Ways to Get Around Town
  • Walk
  • PVTA
  • UMass Transit
  • Your friend's car
Best Ways to Get to the Airport A cab ride to the airport costs too much, so bum a ride or borrow a friend's car.

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

The public transportation systems at UMass and in Amherst balance out the substandard parking situation. On campus, the bus stops are strategically located near classroom buildings, dining halls, dormitories, and libraries and are frequented by a bus approximately every five to ten minutes. UMass shuttles go everywhere on campus, and are also accommodating to physically disabled students. It’s a little difficult to get information from the UMass Transit hotline, but schedules are posted online and at every bus stop, and each bus has its destination posted on the front and back. Taxis are an option if you need to get somewhere in the immediate area but are pricey compared to the free and reliable UMass Transit and PVTA.

If you don’t bring your own car to UMass, don’t worry. Since so many students bring a vehicle to school, the chances of being able to catch a ride with someone or borrow a friend’s car are pretty high. Ride-sharing is the most convenient form of long-distance transportation, or if you don’t have a car and can’t find a ride with anyone else, it is easy to get a ticket for the Peter Pan bus. For extra-long distances, the Bradley International Airport is 45 minutes away in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.

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UMass Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Transportation at University of Massachusetts - Amherst

luke246

Business Management '15

5.0
A+

Buses Are Great

The bus system runs from morning to night at UMass and goes almost everywhere. You can catch a bus to target, the town of Amherst, north hampton, a wide variety of places. Since you can only park your car in certain lots, buses are sometimes the best option on this huge campus.

May 01, 2012

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Transportation at University of Massachusetts - Amherst

rosielorien

Anthropology and Archaeology '15

4.6
A

PVTA Is GREAT!

The bus lines are super convenient and run very frequently.

Apr 09, 2012

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Transportation at University of Massachusetts - Amherst

MeggyLong

Political Science and Government '14

4.6
A

Awesome

I use the bus system everyday. It is impossible to get around campus without using them. They are easy to use and they are usually on time. I could not get to and from class as quickly without them!

Feb 28, 2012

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User rating for University of Massachusetts - Amherst - Transportation is 4.6 out of 5 based on 42 user reviews.

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the cost of the following transit options

Rate the convenience of the following transit options

Rate the convenience of long-distance transportation to travel between home and school

How convenient is the campus-provided transportation?

How necessary is it to have a car on campus?

How easy is it to get around town?

Facts

Local Taxi Services

Taxis are convenient for quick trips but are pricey (especially because UMass Transit and PVTA are free for students).

Safety Escort ServicesWhat's This?

Walking Escort Service
(413) 545-2123
Daily 7 p.m.–3 a.m.

Campus ShuttleWhat's This?

UMass Transit Service

There are two routes that run daily throughout the UMass campus. Other routes run between the five colleges. Students can ride for free with a school ID.

(413) 545-0056

Daily 7 a.m.–2:30 a.m. (specific routes vary)

Public TransitWhat's This?

Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA)

Students can pick up bus schedules from the Campus Center Information Desk.

(413) 781-7882

2808 Main St., Springfield

www.pvta.com

Nearest AirportWhat's This?

Bradley International Airport

BDL is about 45 miles from campus, which is approximately 1 hour of driving time.

Schoephoester Road, Windsor Locks, CT

(860) 292-2000

www.bradleyairport.com

Nearest Passenger BusWhat's This?

Peter Pan Bus Lines

This bus stops at UMass Campus Center. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Campus Center Office. Buses stop in front of the Fine Arts Center at Haigis Mall.

79 S. Pleasant St.

(413) 549-6000

www.peterpanbus.com

Nearest Passenger TrainWhat's This?

Springfield Amtrak Train Station

The Springfield station offers more routes and is approximately 19 miles from campus.

66 Lyman St., Springfield

(413) 785-4230

www.amtrak.com

Amherst Amtrak Station

Amtrak offers limited service to this station, which is only about a mile from campus.

13 Railroad St., Amherst

(800) 872-7245

www.amtrak.com

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Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Danielle Muise
Hometown
Medway, Mass.
Major
Marketing and Communication Disorders

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