Commuting to Campus and Around 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.
• Laurel Connect-A-Ride, operated by the Department of Transportation Services, provides FREE weekday transportation. This service runs from the Park and Ride lot, located in Laurel, to the College Park campus.
• Flexcar is a carsharing program, sponsored by the University and the Flexcar Company. Participants share access to Flexcar vehicles located on campus and at various locations in the D.C. and various Maryland locations. Individuals reserve a car online or by phone, drive - to a meeting, to run errands, etc. - and return the car, all for one hourly rate that covers gas, insurance and unlimited miles.