Transportation At Tufts
I find myself extremely fortunate that Tufts offers several free-of-charge transportation services on campus. As the conclusion of my fifth-and-final year lurches closer, I begin to spend more time at SMFA completing my thesis. With no courses in Medford on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, I can easily catch the SMFA shuttle. I would much prefer taking the ride on the SMFA shuttle than the crowded commute on the MBTA, especially that by providing rides on a hybrid gas/electric bus, Tufts directly reduces my carbon footprint.
Although I infrequently take classes in the JCC, my English class requires my attendance every Monday and Wednesday in the center. Generally, I try to catch the shuttle after, which departs from Granoff, at 6:00pm. In the case that I might have stayed late to chat with my professor, the shuttle also stops briefly in front of the Tisch gymnasium; so, for students desiring to go to SMFA (or just go into Boston) who either live on the southern side of campus (or off campus), might have a class in the JCC, or have just finished a workout, you can plan accordingly. Usually, I run back to my house (Capen House/Africana Center) and change before catching the shuttle, but having the option is warmly welcomed.
Since the final shuttle from SMFA departs at 10:05pm, I sometimes find myself having to rely on the MBTA to return home. Nevertheless, I was pleased to discover this fall that I can take the Green Line to Park Street, then the Red Line to Davis Square, then catch the Davis shuttle to return home. On Thursdays, the last shuttle departs from the campus center at 11:30pm; on Friday, the last shuttle departs from the campus center at 1:30am; and on Saturday and Sunday, the final shuttles depart at 10:30pm. Usually, when the MBTA cooperates, I can time my arrival in Davis Square with the arrival of the Tufts shuttle. Overall, in addition to offer transportation resources in and around Medford, Tufts also offers transportation resources to and from Boston proper—with good planning and sharp timing, you can develop an effective transportation plan for wherever you might be going.