As a measure to help equalize commuting costs among Union members across the University, the Harvard-HUCTW Transportation Fund provides partial reimbursement of eligible commuting and parking costs deemed to be a significant financial burden. This fund is available only to members of the HUCTW bargaining unit.
Application Deadline
The transportation fund has two deadlines each year.
- Applications will be due on May 15, 2026 for expenses incurred January – April 2026.
- Applications will be due on January 15, 2027 for expenses incurred May – December 2026.
Eligibility
Your eligible costs must total more than $112/month ($1,344/calendar year) in order to qualify for the fund. For complete list of eligible expenses please consult page two of the Application Guidelines. Eligible costs include:
- MBTA Commuter Rail/Ferry passes for Zones 4 – 10 (note that monthly passes are preferred, but daily passes are allowable IF a member can demonstrate that the daily passes cost them less than a Harvard subsidized monthly pass would have.)
- Private commuter train (e.g., Amtrak) or bus
- Parking in MBTA or other remote commuter lot or garage
- Parking in the Longwood Medical Area (Harvard or non-Harvard parking)
Not Eligible
Ineligible costs include: parking in Harvard lots or garages anywhere other than the medical area; other Cambridge parking; street parking; ride shares such as Lyft, Uber, etc; gasoline/tolls/wear of a privately owned vehicle; Local MBTA passes or Commuter Rail passes below Zone 4.
Special Eligibility Note for 2026
Due to Harvard’s transition from a previous transit vendor, Edenred, to a new transit vendor, Jawnt, the Transportation Fund will be developing updated guidelines to reflect the new options now available to members. Please stay tuned for new guidelines in the coming months. Those new guidelines will apply to expenses incurred May – December 2026 and will be implemented for the January 15, 2027 application deadline.
Awards
Fund awards are calculated based on the total transportation costs of all eligible applicants. All applicants will receive reimbursements tiered by your Harvard salary, and your specific award is based on your costs. Your award may vary somewhat from year to year depending on the number of applicants in any given year. All eligible applicants who apply on time will receive a reimbursement.
Award Delivery
Your reimbursement will be processed by the HUCTW and Payroll offices, and will appear in the next paycheck following award announcements.
How to Apply
- Fill out your Transportation Fund Application Form
- Be sure to include:
- Completed application
- A brief breakdown of your commute and the supporting materials you’re submitting
- Receipts/Proof of expense of your transportation costs (supporting materials)
- If you have any questions, please email us at: huctw.transportation@huctw.org
HUCTW TRANSPORTATION FUND GUIDELINES
For more information please contact Danielle, Alex, or Tracey at the HUCTW Office by email at huctw.transportation@huctw.org or 617-661-8289 with any questions.