UMass Boston

UMass Boston offers eligible students access to discounted MBTA semester passes during designated fall and spring enrollment periods. Semester passes provide reduced student pricing for regular riders and are valid only during the assigned semester coverage period.

Current Program Status

• Summer semester passes are not available through the UMass Boston Semester Pass Program.
• Fall 2026 semester pass enrollment opens July 1, 2026 for passes valid September 1 – December 31, 2026. The Fall 2026 signup link will be posted here once enrollment opens.
• Students needing MBTA service before September 1 may purchase monthly MBTA passes directly through the MBTA Auto Pay Program at standard retail pricing.

Semester Dates

Students may enroll only during active semester pass enrollment periods. Coverage begins and ends according to the semester pass schedule below.

 *Spring passes activate on February 1. Students are responsible for their transportation costs before the pass activation date. 

Program Rules

Enrollment and availability

• Students may enroll only during active enrollment windows.
• The semester pass program is not available during winter or summer terms.
• Outside enrollment windows, students must purchase monthly MBTA passes directly through the MBTA.

Usage rules

• Passes are valid only during the designated semester coverage period.
• Passes are non-transferable.
• Passes are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Semester pricing reflects discounted MBTA student rates. Undergraduate students may also qualify for additional subsidy support based on available funding

Payment information

The semester pass cost is added automatically to the current term bill. Cash, personal checks, and debit or credit card payments are not accepted for semester pass purchases

Undergraduate Subsidy

Eligible undergraduate students may receive subsidized pricing toward semester passes. A $20 nonrefundable transportation fee supports this program.

• A 50% discount is available on a first-come, first-served basis until the subsidy fund has been fully allocated.
• An 11% discount is available to undergraduate students after the subsidy fund has been fully allocated, during the open enrollment period.
• Subsidy availability is limited and not guaranteed.
• Questions about subsidy funding may be directed to Undergraduate Student Government.

Not sure which pass you need? Start with the option that matches how you usually travel.

• Bus Pass: Suggested local bus service only.
• LinkPass: Suggested for subway and local bus network.
• Commuter Rail Pass: Suggested for commuting outside of the subway system.
• Express Bus Pass or Ferry Pass: choose these only if your regular commute depends on those services.

Explore MBTA Options

• If you missed the enrollment deadline or need transportation outside the semester coverage period, monthly or per-use MBTA passes are available directly through the MBTA.
• Monthly passes are not part of the UMass Boston Semester Pass Program and are not eligible for student subsidy. All purchases are made directly through the MBTA at standard retail pricing.
• Purchase options include per-use or monthly passes for Bus, Subway, Commuter Rail, and Ferry service.