Many students come to the University of Maryland without any experience riding a transit bus. Don't worry—we’re here to help! Follow these basic passenger guidelines and you’ll be set for Shuttle-UM success.
*Indicates procedures we implemented as extra precaution against COVID-19.
PLAN AHEAD
*BRING YOUR FACE COVERING
Shuttle-UM passengers are required to wear a face covering while on board the bus. The face covering should cover your nose and mouth. Make sure to put it on before you board.
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. Download the NextBus app to see Shuttle-UM route updates, alerts and ETAs in real time.
BOARDING THE BUS
Watch for the bus
Once you see the bus approaching, make yourself visible and communicate to the driver that you’d like to board. If you ignore the driver, it may be assumed that you don’t need a ride.
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.
HAVE YOUR UNIVERSITY ID READY
This expedites boarding and is required for most of our commuter routes.
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.
The Invisible Disabilities Association defines an invisible disability as “a physical, mental or neurological condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities that is invisible to the onlooker…[It] refers to symptoms such as debilitating pain, fatigue, dizziness, cognitive dysfunctions, brain injuries, learning differences and mental health disorders, as well as hearing and vision impairments.”
Because symptoms are not always apparent, riding transit poses unique challenges for individuals living with invisible disabilities. Passengers may not realize that another rider may need to sit. Sometimes, asking for a seat can feel uncomfortable.
Riding the Bus
You've boarded the bus and are on your way! Keep in mind that you're riding with other passengers and should respect your shared space.
Request Your Stop
Use the signal strips, which are mounted throughout the vehicle, to alert your driver that you'd like the next stop. Make sure to give enough notice so the stop isn't skipped!
