Commuting in the Area

Public and University Shuttle Bus Transportation

• Shuttle-UM is the free bus system of the University of Maryland. It has an extensive service network on and around campus. There are many ways to finding out how to use the system. Destinations accessible by Shuttle-UM routes include apartment complexes, shopping plazas, metrorail stations, and over 25 on-campus stops. The Department of Transportation website contains information about bus routes, schedules, and more. Each route has a PDF file link that contains the bus schedule and stops as well as a map depicting the location of each stop. A printed bus guide is also available at the Department of Transportation office (Regents Drive Garage).
• University Metrocheck or Smartrip is available to any full-time faculty or staff member who regularly use public transportation for commuting to work.  Automatic payroll deductions, which are PRE-TAX, may be utilized to purchase paper vouchers (Metrocheks), or transferred electronically via a SmarTrip card (aka, Smart Benefits).  Metrochek vouchers can be used on Metrobus and Metrorail.  They can also be exchanged to pay fares on more than 100 participating commuter services, such as; MARC, Ride-On, and Connect-A-Ride.
• Maryland and Washington D.C. Metrobus and Metrorail System is the public bus and rail system for the entire metropolitan area. College Park has a Metrorail Station on the "Green Line." This website includes a trip planner, schedule and fare information, and parking availability information.

Carpooling, Park and Ride and Other Alternative Methods of Commuting

• Carpooling to the University can be easy and has many advantages. Participation in the Faculty/Staff Smart Park Carpool Program REDUCES the cost of parking permit fees; carpoolers may register with Commuter Connections for the "Guaranteed Ride Home Program;" and there is an on-line database to find other University employees in the same zip code looking to carpool.
• Zipcars are available across campus 24/7! They can be reserved online. The low hourly and daily rates always include gas and insurance.
• Campus Motor Vehicle Assistance. Jump starts, gas transports, tire inflations, and lockouts are all FREE services offered by the Department of Transportation Services.
• Obtaining a Campus Parking Permit. Faculty are issued permits every two years or at the time of initial employment. Faculty/Staff parking registration must be initiated by the faculty/staff member through your Departmental Parking Coordinator (DPC). Parking assignments for each F/S parking area are determined by each department and Campus Parking. For more information on how your parking assignment is determined please contact your Departmental Parking Coordinator.