University of Maryland Department of Transportation Services: Facilitating Campus Mobility

The University of Maryland Department of Transportation Services (DOTS) plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of campus life by providing a comprehensive suite of parking and transportation services. Serving a diverse community of over 50,000 students, faculty, and staff in the Greater College Park area, DOTS is committed to fostering a dynamic and diverse workforce through both student and full-time employment opportunities. This article delves into the mission, functions, and various programs offered by DOTS, highlighting its dedication to creating a sustainable and accessible campus environment.

Mission and Core Values

The core mission of the Department of Transportation Services is to provide access to safe, cost-effective, sustainable, and innovative services that anticipate the evolving needs of the campus community. DOTS is committed to planning, education, and enforcement to achieve this mission, ensuring seamless transportation experiences for all members of the university.

Organizational Structure and Responsibilities

As a self-supported agency within the Division of Administration, DOTS operates under the supervision of the Vice President and Chief Administration Officer. It is the primary agency responsible for administering parking and transit management programs on the College Park campus. DOTS manages approximately 16,000 parking spaces and operates the Shuttle-UM transit system, which is primarily supported by student fees.

Parking Services

DOTS manages approximately 16,000 parking spaces at UMD. Any student planning to park on campus must register online before bringing a car to campus. Online student parking registration begins in July and August for fall or annual parking permits, in January for spring-only parking, and in April for summer parking. Parking registration fees are billed to student accounts. Parking is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis according to credit level and housing status.

Parking Registration

All students who plan to park on campus must register online. Registration periods are specific to the semester or term:

Fall/Annual Permits: July and August
Spring-Only Parking: January
Summer Parking: April

Parking assignments are prioritized based on credit level and housing status, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking registration fees are conveniently billed to the student's account.

Shuttle-UM Transit System

The Shuttle-UM transit system, operated by DOTS, is primarily supported by student fees. It provides fare-free commuter, evening, NITE Ride, paratransit, and charter services to university students, faculty, and staff while classes are in session.

Sustainable Transportation Initiatives

DOTS is dedicated to promoting sustainable transportation options through various initiatives, including the BikeUMD program and the UMD Smart Commute program.

BikeUMD Program

The University of Maryland is recognized as a gold-level Bicycle Friendly Campus. The BikeUMD program, a partnership between DOTS and University Recreation and Wellness, promotes bicycle education and encouragement on campus. BikeUMD offers classes, discounted safety gear, sponsored events, group rides, and bicycle registration. The RecWell Bike Shop offers free bike maintenance and semester bike rentals.

All bicycles on campus are required to be registered. Individuals bringing e-bikes or e-scooters to campus must register them with DOTS to receive a unique registration sticker. Parking registration is required for any motorized scooter parked on campus. Motorized scooter drivers are required to wear a helmet and eye protection while operating or riding a scooter. Any motorized scooter left unattended in an area not designated for scooter or motorcycle parking is subject to towing.

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UMD Smart Commute

UMD Smart Commute is a collection of programs that incentivize the university community to make sustainable transportation choices. Through the Smart Commute trip planner, students can locate bike paths, carpool buddies, and transit options.

Break Transportation Services

DOTS provides transportation to and from New York and New Jersey for Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks. Registration opens approximately one month before the scheduled trip date. Free shuttle service to and from Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI) is available every two hours throughout the day for Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks.

Carsharing Services

For students who rarely need access to a vehicle, carsharing is a great alternative to storing a car on campus. With carshare services, members can reserve cars anytime for short trips to the grocery store or day trips throughout the region.

Recent Initiatives and Developments

DOTS is continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of the campus community. Recent initiatives include exploring digital networks to build brand equity through social media, led by figures like Mareike D.

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