Buses
Our campuses, area downtowns and shopping centers are all linked by a free bus system during the academic year.
The Five College campuses are linked by a daily bus service during the academic year. Some routes include stops at local towns and shopping centers. The routes listed below are all free to anyone with an ID from a Five College campus during the academic year. As you'll see below, some of these buses don't run during winter break and the summer, and others charge a fare. There are several apps that will help you find the best route to get you where you want to go--see the links below. You can also visit the website of the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) to find route information for the Five College area and the Connecticut River Valley region of western Massachusetts.
Please note: because the labor negotiations currently underway with PVTA drivers are with a contractor that does not operate the Five College bus routes, Five College service would not be impacted by a strike by PVTA drivers.
Links to bus information and apps
Five College Bus Routes
The B43
Smith - Hampshire Mall - UMass - Amherst
The B43 runs between Smith, UMass, and Amherst, with stops at the Hampshire Mall in Hadley. It runs all year, and is free to those with an ID from a Five College campus during the academic year beginning September 3, 2024. Outside the academic year and during winter break, it costs $1.50. The link below is to the schedule when classes are in session. For the B43's "no school" schedule, visit the PVTA website.
The 38
UMass - Amherst - Hampshire - Mount Holyoke
The 38 runs between UMass, Amherst, Hampshire and Mount Holyoke. It is free to all when it runs, and it only runs during the academic year. Fall semester service begins September 3, 2024.
The 39
Smith - Hampshire - Hampshire Mall
The PVTA is again providing service between Hampshire and Smith Colleges on weekdays, and between Hampshire College, Smith College, the Hampshire Mall and Mountain Farms Mall on weekend evenings. Service begins September 3, 2024.
The 39E
Mount Holyoke - Smith Express
The 39E is an express run between Mount Holyoke and Smith Colleges, running during the day during the week when classes are in session. It is free and only available to riders with an ID from a Five College campus. Service begins September 3, 2024.
The R29
UMass - Amherst - Hampshire - Mount Holyoke - Holyoke Mall - Springfield
The R29 runs between UMass and the City of Holyoke Transit Station, with stops at Amherst, Hampshire, and Mount Holyoke Colleges. It also has stops at the Holyoke Mall, and at Union Station in downtown Springfield. It is free during the academic year to those with an ID from a Five College campus. Outside the academic year, it costs $1.50. Fare-free service begins September 3, 2024.
Buses leading to and from UMass
UMass Transit operates a number of PVTA buses that travel within its campus and between its campus and such surrounding communities as North Amherst, Sunderland, and Belchertown. These buses are free to all riders and operate only when classes are in session.
