Transportation
You may choose from many ways to get around WPI, including walking, biking, ride-sharing, safety transports, and more — many of which are free for students. Explore the options below to be more sustainable in your transportation choices.
Bicycles
Begun as an IQP project, the Gompei’s Gears Bike Share Program allows students and faculty to sign out a bike for free for up to 12 hours.
Shuttles
The Safety Transportation Program run between different parts of campus and the surrounding Worcester area.
Student Night Assistance Patrol (SNAP)
SNAP is a service co-run by Residential Services and Campus Police to provide transportation to WPI students, faculty, and staff during the night hours of the academic year.
Public Transportation
Worcester is a great place to use public transportation. From commuter rail and train access to local bus service, WPI is helping reduce carbon emissions by using greener options. Learn more about local transportation at WPI.
Ridesharing
WPI hopes to reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles (SOVs) in use by our community. SOVs have relatively high greenhouse gas emissions per passenger mile when compared to other forms of transportation.
For those who need to use cars, consider WPI’s Zipcars program which provides many fuel-efficient and hybrid vehicle options for students looking for a short term car rentals.
Electric Vehicles
WPI has ten dual ChargePoint 4000 Series chargers, providing twenty charging ports available for use by the campus community:
- Three chargers inside the Park Avenue Garage
- Five chargers inside the Gateway Garage
- Two chargers in the Boynton parking lot
The ChargePoint software provides WPI-affiliated EV drivers with information on available ports and charging status. As a convenience to our EV drivers, the Office of Sustainability created an email alias, evusers@wpi.edu, to facilitate communication about charging matters. Drivers use this email list to communicate with each other about issues, concerns, or availability, and WPI uses it to share information about problems or scheduled maintenance.
If you are an EV driver and would like to be added to the email alias, please contact green@wpi.edu.
Electric Vehicle Charging Etiquette
- Safety First! Practice safe charging. Manage the cord properly during and after charging. Avoid overstretching the cord. Wind the cord neatly on its holder and tuck in any excess to prevent tripping hazards. Report visible cord damage to green@wpi.edu immediately.
- Time Limit: There is a four‑hour time limit for charging vehicles. After four hours, users will be charged a $4 per hour Overstay Fee in addition to the cost of electricity until the vehicle is moved. When your battery is full—or when you have enough range to reach your destination—please unplug and move your car as soon as possible. The ChargePoint app will notify you when your charge is complete.
- Parking: Non-EVs are prohibited from parking in EV charging spaces.
- Usage: Please don’t charge if you don’t need to. Leave the spot available for someone who may need it to complete their daily travels.
- Outlets: EV owners may charge their vehicles only at designated charging stations. Interior and exterior outlets may not be used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use the charging stations?
The charging stations are for use by WPI staff, students, visitors, and contractors with the appropriate parking pass or permit.
How do I use the charging station?
Create an account on the ChargePoint website (www.chargepoint.com). If you already have a ChargePoint card, you can use it at our stations.
How long does it take to charge my vehicle?
Most vehicles charge completely within four hours.
How will I know my vehicle is charged?
The ChargePoint app will send a text or email when your vehicle reaches full charge.
Can I use the charging station at any time?
Yes—charging stations are accessible when the lots are open. Demand can be high, so please share responsibly.
Is there a way to communicate with other EV drivers?
Yes. Email evusers@wpi.edu to communicate about availability, issues, or maintenance.
Will I get a ticket if I am in the charging spot longer than four hours?
Campus Police may be notified if a car is parked in a charging space well beyond the limit (8+ hours). Overstay fees ($4/hour) are charged automatically by ChargePoint after four hours.
What if no charging spaces are available?
Charging is first‑come, first‑served. If no stations are available on campus, you can use the ChargePoint app to find nearby alternatives.
Is WPI responsible for damage to my vehicle while charging?
No. WPI supplies electricity but is not liable for injury or damage related to use or misuse of charging stations.
WPI Transportation Survey
In Fall 2019, the Office of Sustainability sent out a survey to the WPI community to gain insight into their transportation methods to, from, and around campus, as well as their awareness of transportation alternatives. One important conclusion of the survey was that single-occupancy transportation remains one of the prominent methods of commuting to campus.