For decades, a driver’s license has symbolized freedom for teenagers — the ability to go anywhere, anytime, without relying on parents. At the Upper School (US), students are still seeking that autonomy, but not all are turning to driving to get there. Many students are delaying their licenses and navigating independence through public transportation, biking and walking.
In a Vanguard poll of 67 US students eligible for their licenses, 43% said they hadn’t gotten it yet. Only 58% of US students with licenses said they drive themselves to school.
MBTA Transportation Planner Miles Taylor specializes in Massachusetts transit.
“We have seen huge pickups for student ridership on buses in Revere, and we’ve been trying to adjust the schedules to help students get to school easier,” he said. “We run supplemental trips, which are buses that run specifically to a high school.”
Finley Long ’26 has no need for car keys.
“I use public transport instead of driving. I usually walk to Harvard Square, take the T to Back Bay and then I walk to my house. There’s something about being attached to public transportation. It makes me feel connected to Boston.”
That flexibility extends beyond school.
“I feel pretty independent,” Finley said. “I can dictate when I go home, which is nice. I also don’t have to go home immediately.”
However, public transportation also comes with its downsides.
“What’s not wrong with the train?” Finley said. “Sometimes, they have to switch a schedule and change it to buses because they’re fixing the train. There is some stuff that will happen that people wouldn’t believe. I’ve seen trains on fire, even ones without the lights working.”
Cost and practicality factored into Finley’s decision.
“It’s expensive to pay for gas, and if it’s an electric car, charging is a hassle,” he said. “I don’t have much time. I also have no money, so I don’t know if I’d be able to afford having a car myself.”
Angus McKenna ’27 got his license in February 2025.
“I got my license mostly so my parents wouldn’t have to drive me everywhere,” Angus said. “It honestly increased their freedom more than mine.”
Despite having a car, Angus, who lives in Hingham, still relies heavily on public transportation.
“I take the MBTA ferry to school most days,” Angus said. “I only drive twice a week because I can get an extra hour of sleep without driving, so using public transportation, it’s only an hour and 25 minutes instead of two hours and 25 minutes.”
Cailan MacDonald ’27 said getting her license was necessary.
“A lot of my friends live in the city or far away, and before having my license, my parents didn’t always want to drive me 40 minutes, but now I can drive myself.”
Cailan now drives her sister to school.
“It’s my responsibility to make sure we make it on time and safely,” Cailan said. “Similarly, when my friends are in the car, I want to be able to talk, but I also know I have to pay attention because I am responsible for driving them.”
