Shuttle-UM New Rider Guide

This page will be updated with transportation safety and health protocols related to COVID-19. For our current service information, please view DOTS' response to the pandemic.

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.

Boarding the bus

plan ahead

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.

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.

Rider climbing on bus.

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.

Make room for others

Backpacks, groceries, etc. should be placed on the floor by your feet so that others may use available seats and standing room.

Shuttle-UM passengers.

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!

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, rude or intoxicated passengers.

accessible seating

Preferred seating for individuals with disabilities on our Shuttle-UM transit buses is located at the front of the bus, under the windows.

Lost and Found

If 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.