Welcome to campus! As you settle in, we're excited to introduce some new features and reminders to make your transition as smooth as possible, especially when it comes to your transportation needs. Here’s to a fantastic start to the semester, and remember, we’re here to ensure you get where you need to go with ease!
Courtesy Carts Come to Campus
Get ready for more convenience with PTS Pickup, our new pilot program designed to make your campus travels a breeze—at no cost to you! Whether you're a faculty or staff member, student, or visitor, your curb-to-curb cart transportation needs are covered from Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you spot a PTS Pickup driver, give a friendly wave and let them know where you're headed.
Need ADA-accessible transportation? No problem! Our fleet includes ADA-friendly carts and vans. Look for the universal ADA symbol on our PTS Pickup vehicles and let us assist you with a comfortable ride across campus!
Outsmart Bike Thieves
Want to keep your bike safe and sound? Here’s the secret: get a top-notch lock! Each year, nearly 90% of bikes stolen on campus are either missing a U-lock or aren’t locked up properly. UTPD suggests using a U-lock with a flat key, paired with a self-locking cable. Here’s how to do it like a pro: first, use the U-lock to secure your bike frame and front tire to the rack. Then, attach the secondary cable to your back tire and, if possible, loop it around the rack too.
Bonus tip: register your bike’s serial number online for FREE! This way, if your bike does go missing, the chances of having it returned increase. Registration also helps us return your bike to you if it’s impounded due to construction, events, or if it was locked improperly. Lock it up and register it—your bike will thank you!
Watch a video on how to lock your bike
Travel Safer at Night
Campus life doesn’t clock out just because the sun goes down! Whether you’re studying or hanging out with friends, these resources aim to make your journey safer.
UT Night Rides offers Lyft rides home seven nights a week, from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Use the Lyft app and your free credits for rides from main campus, J.J. Pickle Research Campus, or Dell Pediatric Research Institute. It's a convenient way to get home safely after a night out or studying.
Sure Walk is here to make your night a little brighter and a lot safer, currently running 7 days a week from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. You can request a Sure Walk to get home or to your campus destination. Sure Walkers may accompany you on your walk or provide a complimentary cart or car ride, depending on the service area. Call 512-232-9255 to get started!
The West Campus Ambassadors are your go-to friendly crew to accompany you to your West Campus destination. They’re available until 3 a.m. Monday through Wednesday, and all night Thursday through Sunday. Call or text 512-429-3278 and enjoy your time on West Campus with added peace of mind.
The Courtesy Stop Program is here to make your ride even safer. After 9 p.m., you can request a drop-off anywhere between regular stops on UT Shuttle, CapMetro Bus, and CapMetro Rapid routes. It’s a great way to get closer to your destination at safe, well-lit spots.
See UT Night Rides service area
Get Green on the Go
Traffic around campus can be heavy, especially at the start of the school year. If you’d rather skip the congestion and go green, check out these alternative commute options to keep things easy and eco-friendly:
Hop on board! The UT Shuttle System runs eight routes that zip you to, from, and around campus Sunday through Friday. Plus, with over 70 CapMetro routes crisscrossing the city, you'll never be far from where you need to go. And the best part? You can ride all UT Shuttle and CapMetro routes for free with your UT ID.
Register for carpooling and revel in perks like reserved parking spots, reduced permit fees, free garage access, and guaranteed rides home. It only takes two commuters to qualify. Carpooling makes commuting convenient and rewarding!
Bikes and scooters are crucial to the transportation system, whether you use them as your main way to get around or for short trips to complete your journey. Remember to wear a helmet, use lights at night, and avoid passing buses on the right. Park smart by using bike racks or designated areas, and keep pathways clear. For extra security, bike lockers and indoor storage are available for rent, and Fixit Stations across campus offer tools for repairs 24/7. Prefer maintenance-free rides? CapMetro Bikeshare lets you borrow bikes across campus and the city at a low cost.
Learn more about our transportation programs
Campus Parking for Your Ride
For those with cars, here’s a rundown on parking options. While campus doesn’t offer free parking except for signed 30-minute loading zones, there are permits and paid options to park anywhere else. If you don’t see a sign regulating a parking area, it’s best not to park there. Stay informed and avoid parking issues!
Campus parking has a permit for everyone’s needs and schedules. The C Permit is a wallet-friendly choice for daytime parking and spots are mostly located east of I-35. You can easily get to central campus by walking, biking, catching the Forty Acres (640) shuttle, or hailing a ride with our new PTS Pickup program. Remember, many C Permit spots don’t allow parking between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., so check the signs. For more flexibility, consider the C+ Permit for evening garage access. There are also permits for students with disabilities (D, D+), motorcycles and mopeds (M), and those who only need evening and weekend parking (N, N+). Grab your permit online and park with ease.
Looking for a garage permit? You can snag either an R or S permit, depending on if you live in the dorms or not. Most garages have a waitlist, so be prepared to join the queue. There are currently permits available for the East Campus and Health Center Garages. For the best deal, check out the East Campus Garage—it’s the lowest cost and comes with a handy Route 640 (Forty Acres) shuttle stop and free bike storage for permit holders!
If you’re just bringing your car to campus now and then, you might skip the permit. Non-dorm residents can enjoy the Student Parking Perks program for budget-friendly occasional garage parking. All students can also choose to park in a garage or at parking meters, paying based on the time parked. Make the most of the flexibility!