Columbia Transportation recently launched the fall term Commuter Shuttle Service pilot to provide members of the community with a travel alternative to our campuses from parts of Manhattan and the outer boroughs. Updates to rider eligibility and route enhancements have recently been made.
Eligibility
The shuttle was initially introduced to faculty and staff as part of phase one of the pilot. Following the opportunity to assess and optimize launch operations, students are now eligible to use the service starting October 5, 2020. This includes all undergraduate and graduate students at Columbia University, CUIMC, Barnard College, and Teachers College.
Route Enhancements
In order to optimize service, buses along the Yankee Stadium route will be reallocated to a new route along the east side of Manhattan, making select stops from East 14 Street to East 104 Street, before heading to campus locations.
Additional information about the Commuter Shuttle, including how to make reservations to ride, is provided below. This service is being evaluated as a pilot offering and is subject to change as University operations shift in response to the pandemic. We look forward to supporting the community with travel resources and welcome your feedback.
About the Commuter Shuttle:
- Routes are focused on key areas within the outer boroughs and Manhattan with easy connections to commuter rail and park-and-ride locations. Shuttles will run periodically throughout the day. A route map is available on the Transportation website.
- The fare is $4.50 each way, to be paid by credit or debit card at the time of reservation.
- Rides on the commuter shuttles are by online reservation only. Spaces are first come, first served. To view a list of departure times and make a reservation, follow the instructions on the Transportation website.
- Fares are eligible for reimbursement under the Transit/Parking Reimbursement Program (T/PRP). You can also use an EBPA card to purchase tickets; enter it just like you would a credit card.
- You can view bus locations in real time using the Passio Go! app, which is free to download.
- Buses will be capped at 50% capacity to facilitate distancing.
- Please familiarize yourself with the COVID-19 safety protocols before you ride. Passengers not wearing a face covering will not be allowed to board the bus.
- Stops and schedules are subject to change when necessary to enhance the Commuter Shuttle service and/or address rider needs. Riders will be informed when changes are made that impact their commute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available on the Transportation website. If you have further questions, reach out to Columbia Transportation by phone at 212-854-3382 during business hours, or email us at any time at [email protected].
Additional Transportation Services:
In addition to the Commuter Shuttle, Columbia Transportation offers a number of travel options between campuses. This fall, the Intercampus Shuttle will be making stops at 96 Street throughout the day, and Saturday service will be available following the Red Line. Columbia also offers an on-demand Evening Shuttle, powered by Via, that runs between 4 PM and 4 AM each night. For those interested in using Via outside of the Evening Shuttle service, Columbia affiliates can use the code 'CU2020' to unlock 20% off all private rides.
