# New To Harvard ## Welcome to Harvard! Reducing congestion and greenhouse gas emissions are priorities at the University, and Transportation Services is here to help you figure out the best options to get to and from Harvard. ## How do you plan to commute to campus? local\_parking [### Annual Parking ](/parking/annual)Get pre-tax savings on annual parking via payroll deduction. This is the best option for those commuting to campus three times per week or more. today [### Short Term Parking ](/parking/shortterm)Hybrid commuters can take advantage of hourly and daily parking on campus, as needed. Enroll in a transportation debit credit card for pre-tax savings. directions\_subway [### Order Transit Products ](https://www.jawntpass.com/enroll/harvard)Harvard University offers a 60% subsidy on transit commuting expenses for benefits-eligible employees. directions\_bike [### Bike Benefit ](/sustainable-transportation/bike-walk/bike-commuter-benefit)The bicycle commuter benefit allows bike commuters to receive a $30/month (maximum $360/year) post-tax reimbursement against costs associated with bicycle purchase, improvement, repair, and storage. electric\_bike [### Bluebikes Discount ](/sustainable-transportation/bike-walk/blue-bikes-share-program)Harvard affiliates can access a discounted annual membership for Bluebikes (bike and e-bike) regional bikeshare. directions\_bus [### Harvard Shuttle ](/harvard-shuttle)The Harvard Shuttle provides safe, reliable and free transportation throughout the Cambridge and Allston campuses. ## Resources ### Sign up for New Employee Orientation Learn about your benefits package and meet with members of the CommuterChoice team. [Sign up here chevron\_right](https://hr.harvard.edu/new-employees) ![Audience raising their hands](/sites/g/files/omnuum12016/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2024-07/GettyImages-1472033620.jpg?itok=9lbHYSqn) ### Get Commute Planning Assistance Trying to figure out the best ways to commute to and from Harvard? Let us help you! If you are commuting to the Cambridge or Allston campus, we'll provide a range of commute suggestions tailored to your specific needs. [ Tell us about your commute arrow\_circle\_right ](https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eQbJ34cvvhxepDv) [Commute planning resources chevron\_right](/sustainable-transportation/commute-planning) [ MBTA New User Guides arrow\_circle\_right ](https://www.mbta.com/guides) ![Drawing of map with River and geotags](/sites/g/files/omnuum12016/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2024-09/Map%20with%20geotags.jpg?h=296ff792&itok=K2IpVFmu) ### Commute with Confidence Reduce the stress of your commute with our supplemental transportation services. This program is designed to support you when an emergency arises however you travel. [More information here chevron\_right](/sustainable-transportation/confidence) ![Person reaching up to the sky](/sites/g/files/omnuum12016/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2024-09/GettyImages-1486907196.jpg?itok=EdFuKumj) ### Commute Benefit Calculator Determine if you should commute via pay-per-ride or buy a monthly pass for your transit commute. Calculate your parking expenses and pre-tax savings opportunities. Use this calculator to compare your estimated monthly costs and savings. [ Commute Benefit Calculator arrow\_circle\_right ](https://www.jawntpass.com/enroll/harvard#commute-calculator) ![Harvard Square Red Line Station Sign](/sites/g/files/omnuum12016/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2024-06/Harvard%20Redline.jpg?itok=30lh3wnX) ## Orientation Video --- ## FAQ's ### Transit Open all sections Close all sections ### What is the T? expand\_more The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority ([MBTA](https://www.mbta.com/)), also known as the T, is comprised of subway, bus, commuter rail, ferry and paratransit service to eastern Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island. ### How do I know which transit line I should take? expand\_more The MBTA lists all the subway, bus, commuter rail, ferry and paratransit routes at . You can “plan your trip” by entering your home and work addresses and it will provide trip suggestions. The [Transit app](https://transitapp.com/) uses your current location to display transit lines closest to you and wayfinding assistance. You can also utilize CommuterChoice’s [commute assistance tool](https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eQbJ34cvvhxepDv) to receive personalized commuting advice. ### Can I access the subsidized transit pass benefit on my first day of work? expand\_more No, it typically takes new employees 1-2 days to gain access to the Jawnt [portal](https://www.jawntpass.com/enroll/harvard). The deadline to order passes is the 7th of the prior month. New employees should allow 6-8 weeks from the start of their employment to receive their first transit product. You can not purchase a transit product while you have an annual parking permit. New employees are not eligible to be reimbursed for their out of pocket commuting expenses while they are waiting for their subsidized pass to arrive. They should allow 6-8 weeks from the start of their employment to receive their first transit benefit product. ### Where do I purchase tickets for the T? expand\_more As a new benefits-eligible employee, you **will not** have immediate access to the subsidized transit ordering site. It typically takes new employees 1-2 days to gain access to the transit ordering [portal](http://www.commuterchoice.harvard.edu/mbta). While waiting for your subsidized pass, you will have to purchase transit passes on your own. Information on passes are available at . If you are commuting back and forth to work at least four times a week, a monthly pass is the most cost-effective option. You can purchase a mobile ticket for the Commuter Rail on the [mTicket app](https://www.mbta.com/mbta-endorsed-apps), however, it will not include bus and subway access as compared to a physical Monthly Commuter Rail Pass CharlieTicket. You can purchase monthly Commuter rail passes at Porter Square, Back Bay, North Station and South Station. You can purchase a CharlieCard at the any MBTA kiosk, located in all subway stations and select bus stations. ### Where should I get off the bus or subway? expand\_more The red line subway runs through Harvard Square, as well as bus routes 1, 66, 69, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 77, 78, 86, 96. Bus routes 66, 70, and 86 run through Allston. The walk from Harvard Square to Allston is about 15-20 minutes, depending on pace. ### How do I update my home address in Jawnt? expand\_more You will need to log into your PeopleSoft account and update your address there. It will take 1-2 days to be reflected in Jawnt. ### Why am I getting a browser error message or blank screen when I try to access the Jawnt site? expand\_more It typically takes new employees 1-2 days to access the Jawnt system. Try to log in at 1-2 business days after you have set up your Harvard Key and HUID. If that doesn’t work, please allow a few extra days. If you are still having issues, please contact [CommuterChoice](mailto:commuterchoice@harvard.edu) and they can help you. ### How do I know if I am eligible to receive the transit subsidy? expand\_more Benefits eligible faculty, staff and postdocs paid directly by Harvard and work at least 17.5 hours a week may purchase MBTA monthly passes for a 60% discount. ### Biking Open all sections Close all sections ### Is there bicycle parking available on campus? expand\_more You can access an [interactive online map](https://mapprod.cadm.harvard.edu/portal/apps/indoors/index.html?appid=2c3969f8d1b14147920610a68f6db713#?n=1713804763195) for[ bike parking locations](/sustainable-transportation/public-transit/bicycle-parking-campus) and recommended routes. We recommend those who park their personal bike on campus have it [registered](https://www.hupd.harvard.edu/bicycle-registration) for free with Harvard University Police Department. ### Can I commute to campus using Bluebikes? expand\_more Harvard employees have access to a [discounted Bluebikes membership](https://prod-transportation.drupalsites.harvard.edu/bluebikes) with their Harvard email address. Download the Bluebikes app or visit to find a station closest to your work location. ### Can I take advantage of the bike benefit program? expand\_more The bike benefit is a reimbursement program of up to $360/year for eligible bike-related expenses. Employees must not have a subsidized transit pass or parking permit during the months they are claiming the bike benefit. The submission period is during the late fall-early winter. [More information can be found here](/bluebikes). ### Driving Open all sections Close all sections ### Can I park on campus on my first day of work? expand\_more Cambridge or Allston campus employees can purchase a one day permit ahead of your first day of work by accessing the self-service [Online Daily Permit portal](https://hopps.vpcs.harvard.edu/) or visit the Parking Office located at the Smith Campus Center in the Campus Service Center on the 8th floor. The online system is highly recommended for its convenience and 24-hour availability. If you wish to purchase an annual pass, you can stop into the Campus Service Center on your first day of work. If you work in the Longwood Medical Area, you can visit the [Commuter Service and Parking Office](https://campusplanning.hms.harvard.edu/campus-services/parking-commuter-services) at 180B Longwood Ave, Room 132, Boston, MA 02115 or call them at (617) 432-1111. ### What parking facility is closest to where I work? expand\_more You can find information about all of the Harvard garages and lots available on the Cambridge and Allston campuses [here](/sites/g/files/omnuum731/files/2024-08/Printable_Parking_Map_Remediated.pdf). ### Are there any parking discounts available to employees? expand\_more As part of the Underutilized Parking Program, annual parking permits purchased for Peabody Terrace garage are discounted by 30%. Benefits-eligible employees can pay for their annual parking permits via pre-tax payroll deduction. Benefits-eligible employees can receive 50-75% off their annual parking pass if they carpool with a benefits-eligible Harvard employee. ### Is there anywhere on campus where I can charge my electric vehicle? expand\_more There are multiple parking facilities around Cambridge and Allston that support electric car charging stations. Anyone wishing to use one of the stations must first purchase an ECS permit. ### Where can I find information about commuting to the Harvard Longwood Campus? expand\_more Parking is especially limited in the [Longwood Medical Campus](https://hms.harvard.edu/departments/campus-planning-and-facilities/campus-services/parking-and-commuter-services) (LMC). Please visit the [HMS Parking and Commuter Services](https://campusplanning.hms.harvard.edu/campus-services/parking-commuter-services) website for more information. For LMC commuting services, subsidies and advice, Harvard partners with [MASCO](http://www.masco.org/) (617-632-2800). Along with [LMA shuttles](https://www.longwoodcollective.org/shuttle-schedules) that run between the LMC and Cambridge, MASCO offers [CommuteWorks](http://www.masco.org/directions/commuteworks) to help you find your best commute. ### Harvard Shuttles Open all sections Close all sections ### What is the Harvard Shuttle? expand\_more The Harvard Shuttle is an intercampus shuttle connecting the Cambridge and Allston campuses. ### Where can I find the shuttle schedules and routes? expand\_more You can find real-time shuttle information at [www.shuttle.harvard.edu](http://www.shuttle.harvard.edu/) or you can download the PassioGo! app. ### Is there a shuttle to the Longwood Medical Area? expand\_more The Longwood Collective operates the M2 shuttle, which connects the Harvard Medical School in the Longwood Medical Area (LMA) to Harvard Square (Lamont Library). Harvard affiliates have access to the [M2 shuttle,](https://www.longwoodcollective.org/about-shuttles) and you must show your Harvard ID card to ride the M2 shuttle. Download the Transloc app for real-time shuttle tracking.