Frequently Asked Questions About Public Transportation
Apply for a Subsidized T-pass
Payment Options
When to Apply for a T-pass
Cancel or Suspend a T-pass
Pick Up a T-pass
Apply for a Subsidized T-pass
How do I apply for a subsidized T-pass?
You can apply for your T-pass by going to the T-pass web site at https://commuting.mit.edu.
Who can apply for a subsidized T-pass?
Faculty and Staff: Only faculty and staff who have payroll deductions and do not have a full-time parking permit can apply for a subsidized T-pass.
Students: Only registered students who have a current bursar's (student) account and do not have full-time parking can apply for a subsidized T-pass.
Who cannot apply for a subsidized T-pass?
Affiliates, spouses, children, temporary employees and visiting scholars who are not paid by MIT cannot apply for a subsidized T-pass.
Can I apply for an occasional parking permit and a subsidized T-pass?
Yes, you can apply for an Occasional/Evening parking permit and a subsidized T-pass.
Can I apply for a full-time parking permit and a subsidized T-pass?
No, because both are subsidized programs. You can take part in only one subsidized program.
When a student graduates, can he or she still apply for a subsidized T-pass?
No, only registered students who have a current bursar's account can get a subsidized T-pass.
What are the different types of T-passes?
The MBTA provides a list of types of T-passes.
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Payment Options
Can I pay by check or cash for my subsidized T-pass ?
Faculty and Staff: No, you can only pay through your payroll deduction.
Students: No, you can only pay through your bursar's (student) account. Please note that you will be billed per month, not per semester.
What do pre-tax and post-tax dollars mean?
You could see two deductions for your T-pass because the first $53.00 of your subsidized T-pass is paid for with pre-tax dollars, and any amount over $53.00 is post-tax.
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When to Apply for a T-Pass
How far in advance do I need to apply for a T-pass?
You have to apply one month and a day in advance.
Example: If you want a T-pass for the month of November, you must apply for it by the last business day in September.
Why do I need to apply one month and day in advance for a T-pass?
The MBTA requires that T-pass orders be submitted one month in advance.
Why are some months not available for me to choose?
The deadline for those months has already passed.
If I am a faculty or staff member, do I apply every semester or every academic year for a subsidized T-pass?
No, you sign up just once and your T-pass request will continue until you cancel it.
If I am a new student arriving on campus, when can I apply for a T-pass?
For a September T-pass:
- If you apply by August 15, a September T-pass will be available for pickup on the last three business days of August.
- If you apply after August 15, your first pass will be for the month of October. However, you may stop by the Parking Office (W20-022) on the last three business days of August to purchase a September pass.
- September T-passes will be available for sale until September 2.
For an October T-pass:
- The application deadline to apply for an October T-pass is August 31. An October T-pass will be available for pickup on the last three business days of September.
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Cancel or Suspend a T-Pass
What is the difference between canceling a T-pass and suspending a T-pass?
Canceling a T-pass means that you don't want a T-pass anymore, and you want to close your T-pass account.
Suspending a T-pass means that you want to stop receiving your T-pass temporarily, but want to resume receiving one at a later date.
How far in advance do I need to cancel my T-pass account?
You have to cancel on or before the 15th of the previous month.
Example: If you want to cancel your T-pass account starting in July, you must cancel your account no later than June 15.
How far in advance do I need to make a "suspend" request?
You have to suspend your T-pass account on or before the 15th of the previous month.
Example: If you are suspending for July, you must make your suspend request no later than June 15.
How do I change information, cancel or suspend my T-pass after I submitted my application?
1. Go to https://commuting.mit.edu.
2. Select the appropriate heading: faculty, staff, and affiliate, or student. A summary of your current T-pass account displays.
3. To see more information about your account, use the "continue" button. The T-pass Account Information screen displays.
4. To change some information, cancel your account or suspend it temporarily:
Faculty and staff: use the "change, cancel, or suspend" button.
Students: use the "change" button.
Please note that you must submit your change request by the 15th of a month in order for the change to take effect the following month.
Will my account be closed automatically when I leave MIT?
No, it's your responsibility to cancel your account.
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Pick Up a T-Pass
Can someone pick up my T-pass for me?
Yes. The person must show his or her MIT ID. Also, that person must bring one of the following:
- Your MIT ID
- A photocopy of your MIT ID with an authorization for that person to sign for the pass.
Can my T-pass be mailed to me?
No, it is too valuable to send through interdepartmental mail or U.S. Mail. Someone has to pick it up and sign for it.
Can I pick up my T-pass in the middle of the month?
Yes, if you have paid for it. Your T-pass will be held for you in the Parking Office (W20-022).
If I am unable to pick up my T-pass, will I still be charged for it?
Yes, you will be charged for it until you cancel it.
If I lose my T-pass, can it be replaced?
The Parking and Transportation Office can provide a replacement CharlieCard for a $15 replacement fee. Lost or stolen CharlieTickets must be replaced at an MBTA station where passes are sold.
Where do I pick up my T-pass?
When you fill out the T-pass application, you choose which location you want to pick up your T-pass from: the Stata Center, outside of Room 32-155 or the Parking and Transportation Office, Room W20-022.
When can I pick up my T-pass?
T-passes are available for pick up during the last three business days and the first business day of the month at the Stata Center, First Floor lobby in the Vassar/Main Street lobby entrance, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM or the Parking and Transportation Office, Room W20-022 from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
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