Transportation Overview

Vehicle emissions contribute to urban smog, air toxins, and global warming which are serious health and environmental problems. It is important to reduce the greenhouse gases, particularly CO2, produced from human activities, also known as an individual’s "carbon footprint." Not driving just one day a week reduces a commuters carbon footprint by 20%.  Brandeis University and Waltham have many public transit options that are working to reduce single occupant vehicles traveling to, from, and around campus.

  • A public transit brochure (PDF), written by students, is available around campus and online.
  • The university has adopted a “No Idling Policy” for campus vehicles.
  • Zipcar, a car sharing service, is available on campus.
  • 'Deis Bikes A bike sharing service, created and run by undergraduate students.

Transportation Options

Campus Shuttles and Buses

Brandeis operates shuttles and busses around campus and to Waltham and Boston for the Brandeis Community. For more information, visit Campus Shuttles.  Campus Sustainability Initiative worked to add Live Tracking of Campus Shuttles read more about this new project.

Public Transportation to Brandeis: MBTA

train

Brandeis is directly accessible from the Brandeis-Roberts Commuter Rail station and various bus lines. The Riverside T station in Newton is a 5 minute drive from Brandeis, and is the last stop of the Green D Line. Parking and cab service are available at Riverside.

Staff can purchase monthly MBTA passes through a pre-tax program. Graduate Students can receive discounts on monthly passes. Learn how to use the MBTA and how get to places of interest via the MBTA and campus shuttles.

Biking

Riding a bicycle to work is a great way to exercise, save money and help the environment. There are bike racks around campus and showers available at the Gosman Sports Center. 'Deis Bikes, a bike sharing service, created and run by undergraduate students is available during the Fall and Spring semesters. Affordable long term/monthly bike rental is available at from MyBikeOnline. Learn more about biking.

Carpool

Brandeis has partnered with NuRide, a state program of MassRides, to make commuting options easier. The system matches commuters and provides incentives for carpooling and other alternate transportation. There is no obligation to join a carpool or vanpool when you sign up to be a part of the database.  Make sure you join the Brandeis group by using your brandeis.edu e-mail. 

Walking

Perhaps it does’t need mentioning, but walking is a viable transportation option! Next time you have an errand to do, think about the amount of time and stress it can take to get in a car, drive in traffic, park, and repeat, and then compare it to walking. You receive untold health benefits and may even save time and money. The Brandeis campus, although hilly, is compact and easily walkable. Improvements to campus sidewalks and the main "pedestrian" spine will help make Brandies a more pedestrian-friendly campus. Take a look at the campus map to plan your route. You can explore campus hiking trails with a student created map to Sachar Woods. 

Zipcar: Car-Sharing Service

Beginning September 15, 2008, Brandeis is offering a car-sharing service through Zipcar. The cars are located at the Stoneman Public Safety/Campus Police Building Parking Lot. University faculty, staff, and students aged 18+  interested in using the cars, can apply for and purchase a membership at www.zipcar.com/brandeis.

The presence of Zipcars should help encourage students and staff to use public transpiration options by still having affordable access to a car when needed. Zipcar estimates that each Zipcar replaces over 15 privately-owned vehicles. Learn more from Zipcar about the green benefits of car-sharing.

Please direct any customer service questions to 1-866-4ZIPCAR or review their Web site at www.zipcar.com/brandeis.