RIDE 101: INTRO TO SHUTTLE-UM
Many students come to the University of Maryland without any experience riding a transit bus. Don't worry—we’re here to help! Peruse the topics below to get the most out of your Shuttle-UM experience.
View Bus Routes
Shuttle-UM operates 19 fixed bus routes on campus and in the Greater College Park Area. The Shuttle-UM system map, as well as individual maps and timetables for each bus route, are available on our schedules page.
Plan Your Trip
Download the Transit App. It’s the official app of Shuttle-UM and allows you to view routes and see real-time arrival information, and it also includes multimodal trip planning tools. You can also sign up for service alerts for frequently used routes by tapping the thumbtack icon.
Shuttle-UM routes may not initially populate in your app, follow these instructions to make them display.
Remember: Buses are not immune from traffic congestion or delays. Give yourself time to be on time. We recommend taking the bus scheduled ahead of the one you need in the event a bus is full or delayed.
Identify the Bus Stop
Bus stops are marked by a red Shuttle-UM aluminum sign measuring 6.5" by 28" wide.
Some bus stops also have bus shelters, which include benches and screens with arrival information.
Bus stops are also marked on our route maps. When looking at route maps, stops are denoted on the map by the location pins. On the PDF Maps, the stops are denoted by numbers.
Board the Bus
Track the Bus
Real time arrival information for Shuttle-UM routes is available in the Transit App. Use the app to track your bus and see how far it is from your stop.
Please note that the 141 Gaithersburg and the 142 Columbia routes are currently operated by a charter service, and real-time arrival information is not available.
Watch for the bus
Once you see the bus approaching, make yourself visible and communicate to the driver that you’d like to board by giving a wave or making eye contact. Our drivers only stop if there are riders who would like to board or alight from a bus. If you ignore the driver, they may not realize that you need a ride.
Have your university ID ready
This expedites boarding and is required for most of our commuter routes.
Board through the front doors
Use the front doors to board, and leave the rear doors of the bus open for passengers that are exiting the bus.
NEVER chase a bus
Smacking the side of a bus can startle drivers and may lead to accidents. Passengers may get on and off at authorized stops only.
Remember, Shuttle-UM routes are fare-free. You do not need to pay when you board the bus.
Request a Stop
Keep Track of Where You AreOur Shuttle-UM transit buses are equipped with display screens that show the stop names as the bus approaches the stop, and the stop names are also announced over the bus speakers. Use the screens and announcements to keep track of where you are and know when your stop is getting close. Want reminders along the way? Use GO on Transit App for in-route notifications and prompts so you do not miss your stop. | Lost and FoundIf you think you left something on one of our Shuttle-UM buses, you can check out lost and found by calling 301-314-3687 (DOTS) with the approximate time of the loss, route and bus number. Once vehicles return to the lot each evening, recovered items are returned to the dispatch office. |
Remember: Our drivers only stop if there are riders who would like to board or alight from a bus. Make sure to request your stop to ensure it isn't skipped.
Request Your Stop
Once you see or hear your stop name read out, request your stop by pushing the signal strips, which are mounted throughout the vehicle. Once you push the button you will hear an alert noise and the words “stop requested” announced. The display screen will also read “Stop Requested.”
Exit the Bus 
As you approach your stop make sure to gather all your belongings and prepare to exit the bus. Once the bus has come to a complete stop, you can stand and exit through the rear door.
Connect to Other Regional Transit Providers
Shuttle-UM links up with several regional transit providers in the area. We can connect you to where you want to go! Visit our connections page to learn more.
Be a Considerate RiderKeep in mind that you're riding with other passengers and should respect your shared space. MusicPlease use headphones for personal audio devices. Leave Accessible Seating OpenPreferred seating for individuals with disabilities on our Shuttle-UM transit buses is located at the front of the bus, under the windows. | Will You Stand Up For Me?You may not realize it, but someone may need a seat on Shuttle-UM more than you. Not all disabilities can be discerned by a person’s use of assistive equipment, such as a wheelchair, crutches, cane or walker. Standing up for someone who asks to sit, you stand up for those with disabilities. |
Let the Driver Handle Inappropriate Conduct
Drivers take into consideration their safety and the safety of everyone on board and around their vehicle when making a decision about how to handle rowdy or rude passengers.
Join a Group Ride
Follow us on Instagram for more information about using Shuttle-UM and join us for our upcoming #TransitTerps public transportation group rides.
- Join Our RIDE 101 Group Ride: Wednesday, August 28, Regents Drive Garage Bus Stop at 4 p.m..
Let’s take the 104 College Park Metro/Discovery District to Riverdale Park Station and along the way we’ll show you how easy it is to ride Shuttle-UM.