Transportation Options @ UMBC

Tue, 10 Sep 2013 15:20:52 -0400

UMBC offers several transportation options such as Transit Services, Casual Carpooling, and Zipcar for those without private transportation or for those who just want to reduce their carbon footprint.

Transit services provides seven shuttles that connect you to downtown Arbutus and Catonsville, Arundel Mills Mall, shopping centers and grocery stores, apartment complexes, BWI airport, and Marc and Light Rail stations. Because the transportation fee is included in mandatory tuition and fees, boarding is free-of-cost—just swipe your red UMBC ID to ride. Transit shuttle schedules can be located online at www.umbc.edu/transit, and printed copies are available at the office of Off-Campus Student Services. All shuttles are equipped with bike racks (except the Wave ‘n Ride which loops the campus) and free WIFI. The Transit Tracker mobile application can be downloaded to smartphones or accessed on the Transit website to track the real-time location of all shuttles.

In order to get to downtown Baltimore, you can hop on the MTA #35 public bus which stops directly at UMBC. MTA public buses #77 and #99 also service the UMBC campus directly. A one-way ticket costs $1.60 and a day pass costs $3.50. Frequent MTA riders can opt to purchase a discounted student pass called the “All Access College Transit Pass” at the office of Off-Campus Student Services for $39. This pass provides unlimited access for one month on local buses, metro subway, and light rail in Maryland—Marc train and Commuter buses are not included with this pass. To purchase regular or students passes for Marc train or Commuter buses, visit the MTA website at http://mta.maryland.gov/.

If Transit Services or MTA can’t get you to your desired destination conveniently, Casual Carpooling is another option. A UMBC student carpooling community is growing online at http://my.umbc.edu/groups/casualcarpooling. Join, connect, and create a carpool using the suggestions and carpooling etiquette tips provided. A carpool social will be hosted by Off-Campus Student Services on September 11, 2013 from 12-1pm in the UC Ballroom Lounge to alleviate some of the awkwardness of carpooling with strangers for the first time. Free lunch is provided.

Students are encouraged to use a Zipcar as their carpooling vehicle. Zipcar is a car-rental service available at UMBC for students, faculty, and staff. The traditional age requirement has been waived, so Zipcar membership is open to anyone 18 years old or older. UMBC campus community members can join for $25 and immediately receive $35 in driving credit as an incentive. Driving credit must be prepaid, and it includes gas and insurance costs. Two Zipcars are parked near UMBC’s Counseling Services on Center Road. More information about Zipcar can be found at http://www.zipcar.com/umbc.