July 28, 2006

'Give the T a Shot' pilot programs

MGHers who drive to and from work can take a one-week break from rush hour traffic, the recent Big Dig closings and rising gas prices thanks to MGH Commuter Services. The department has established two pilot programs, which allow MGHers who normally drive to try out the MBTA subway, bus or commuter rail.

The 'Give the T a Shot' program allows employees with current parking privileges through the hospital to try the MBTA for one week at no cost. To register, employees must e-mail their name, employee ID number, type of pass needed and requested week of use to mmhamdi@partners.org. MGH Commuter Services will notify enrolled employees as to which week they will be able to use the pass. Passes can be picked up and dropped off at the Commuter Services Office located on the second floor of Ruth Sleeper Hall Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am and 5 pm. Upon completion of the one-week trial, employees must return the pass to the Commuter Services Office and complete a brief questionnaire about the program. The one-week trial dates began July 27 and run through September.

The second pilot initiative, 'Give the T a Bigger Shot,' allows employees with a regular weekly or monthly scheduled payroll deduction for parking to purchase a MBTA pass at the hospital subsidized rate. Rates are available at www2.massgeneral.org/police/police_services.htm#T-Pass. Employees still will be charged their parking deduction and keep their parking space for up to two months. Passes can be picked up at the Commuter Services Office from July 27 to Aug. 3 and Aug. 29 to Sept. 1.

Employees must be benefits-eligible and work a standard 20 hours or more per week to participate in the program. For more information, call the Commuter Services Office at (617) 724-6588.