About TU


PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Lot 11 is scheduled to be no longer available effective Spring Break 2013. More information will be posted for the relocation of the visitor parking areas from Lot 11 late March.

General Parking

1.  Where can visitors park?

Visitor parking is available at paid meters or in designated visitor lots with a valid permit. Permits may be obtained from pay stations located at the following visitor locations:  Lot 11 near University Union Garage, Towsontown Garage, Stephens Hall lot 2 (departmental guests with code only), lot 17 Enrollment Services (department guests with handicap plate/placard), Administration Building front lot, West Village Garage, Glen Garage and Towson Center lots 13 and 21. Metered visitor parking is also available along Cross Campus Drive.  For more information click here.

2.  Where can freshmen commuters park?

Due to  campus construction projects, on campus parking is restricted for freshmen commuter students.  Freshmen commuters are only eligible to purchase an Overflow permit.  Overflow permits are valid in Overflow parking areas (Towson Center lots except 21A, designated Overflow areas of the West Village Garage).  After 3 p.m., Overflow permits are valid in any Commuter parking area on campus in addition to the Overflow areas..

3.  Do I need a permit to park on campus?

Everyone including faculty, staff, students and visitors must display a permit to park on campus property during enforcement hours.  A valid permit is required Monday – Thursday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Some areas are restricted at all times.  Make sure to read the signs posted by the entrance of every parking lot.

 

4.  All of the lots on the main campus are full. Where can I park?

Overflow parking is available in Towson Center lots 13, 14, 19, and 21 as posted.  Also, there are designated Overflow areas on the second and third levels of the West Village Garage.  On campus shuttle service is available to these lots.  Click here for details regarding available parking locations.

 

5.  Can I park in front of any building to run in for a minute?

No. You cannot park in front of any building even for a minute.  You must have a valid parking permit and park in the appropriate lot or garage.  There are 20 minute meters available at various lots for loading and unloading. 

 

6.  Who makes the parking rules?

Parking and transportation regulations are reviewed and approved by the University Administration.

 

7.  Where are the bike racks?

Bike racks are located outside of the University Union first floor, near Stephens Hall, near Burdick Hall, and in West Village.

 

8.  Where can I park my motorcycle/scooter or other two-wheeled motorized vehicle?

Motorcycles and scooters must be parked in designated motorcycle parking spaces.  A valid motorcycle/scooter permit must be displayed for the specific location. Motorcycle parking spaces are available at the following locations:  Lot 10 General Services, West Village Garage, lot 24 Administration Building, Glen Garage, Towsontown Garage, Towson Center, and Union Garage.

 

9.  Do part time or evening students need to purchase a hangtag?
Yes.  Everyone is required to purchase a permit if they park on campus. You can obtain a parking permit through the Auxiliary Services Business Office on the first floor of the University Union or on the Parking and Transportation Services Web site when available.

10.  How many parking spaces are currently available for student parking?
Approximately 5,000 parking spaces will be available for use by students. Roughly 640 of these spaces are reserved for West Village residents.

 

11.  Why can't I find parking in the garages?
The Towsontown, Union, and Glen garages are typically full by 9 a.m. Monday through Thursday.   If you arrive after 9 a.m., parking space is available at the Towson Center parking lots.  On campus shuttles provide transportation to and from the core campus.

 

12.  I work evening hours and return to campus late.  How can I get to my dorm safely from my vehicle?
The University Police Department provides a walking Escort Service from sunset to sunrise. Safe Ride is a point to point service available to the campus community during eveing hours. Please call 410-704-SAFE (7233) for an Escort or Safe Ride service.

 

13.  I'm told I can park at visitor spaces and the police look the other way. Is this true?
Enforcement of parking meters will be strictly enforced.

 

Permits

1.  Where do I purchase/pick up my parking permit?

Permits should be purchased online at the Parking and Transportation Services Web site . Only motorcycle permits and permits for special programs may be purchased at Auxiliary Services Business Office which is located on the first floor of the University Union adjacent to the University Store.   

 

2.  How much does a parking permit cost?

The parking permit rates change annually based on overall expenses. Current permit fees can be viewed at the Parking and Transportation Services Web site.

 

3.  If my permit is lost or stolen, will a new permit be issued?

A lost/stolen permit may be replaced after completing a lost/stolen report and paying the applicable replacement fee.  The lost/stolen report must be submitted to Auxiliary Services Business Office. If a lost/stolen permit is found in use on campus, the vehicle is subject to a $300 fine, towing and possible other sanctions.

 

4.  What type of permit do I need?

Several types of permits are issued annually.  Click here for a complete list of permits.

5.  Why can’t I find parking in the garages?

To allow flexibility, parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. The Towsontown, Union, and Glen garages are typically full by 9 a.m. Monday through Thursday. If you arrive after 9 a.m., parking space is available at the Towson Center parking lots. The county garage permits are not valid at Towson Center lots prior to 3 p.m. On campus shuttles provide transportation to and from the core campus.

 

6.  My friend told me that they "found" a permit and used it.  Can I use a permit that was found?
Use of another individual’s permit or altering a permit is a violation.  Many students are sent to the Office of Student Conduct and Civility Education each year for this type of violation. Don't take the chance. If a lost/stolen permit is found in use on campus, the vehicle is subject to a $300 fine, towing and possible other sanctions.

 

Citations

1.  I received a parking citation, what do I do?

You must pay the citation at the Auxiliary Services Business Office or online.  You have the right to appeal the citation online.  To pay a citation or file an appeal online, go to the Parking and Transportation Services Web site and select the eParking link.

 

2.  How do I appeal a citation?

The easiest way to appeal a citation is by submitting an online appeal at parking.towson.edu.  The appeal must be submitted within 25 calendar days.

 

3.  What can I do if I disagree with the appeal decision?

All appeal decisions are final.  The appeal procedures may be reviewed on the Parking and Transportation Services Web site by selecting the policies and regulations link.

 

4.  What happens if I receive more than one citation?

Each citation must be paid.  If six citations are received within 25 days and they remain unpaid, you will lose your parking privilege.

 

5.  How is the amount for citation fees determined?

Citation fees are reviewed and approved by the University President’s Council.

 

6.  If I receive a parking citation and have a valid parking permit, do I have to pay the fine?

Individuals with valid parking permits who receive a citation should notify Parking Services in writing by filing an appeal online. The appeal will be investigated and if your permit was purchased before the citation was issued, it will be downgraded or to improper parking if you were parked in an area that is not valid for your permit type.

 

7.  Are the parking citations real?  Why should I follow the parking regulations? 
Citations issued by Towson University are written under the Maryland Uniform Citation Code and carry the weight and importance of citations issued by any law enforcement agency in the state of Maryland. Parking regulations are in effect to maintain a safe environment and to ensure efficient use of resources. Vehicles will be towed if five or more citations have been issued. This rule is applicable to paid or unpaid citations.

Transportation

1.  How are the shuttle bus schedules determined?

The shuttle bus schedules are based on demand for the service during peak class times.

 

2.  Where can I find a bus schedule?

On and off campus shuttle bus schedules are posted at each bus stop shelter, on the Web and are available at the Parking and Transportation Department.  Click here for to view the schedules.

 

3.  Why doesn’t off campus shuttle service operate on weekends?

 Off campus shuttles provide alternative transportation to and from class or work.  A new weekend service called Tiger Taxi will begin in Fall 2010 that provides limited on and off campus service.

 

Alternative Transportation Program and Green Initiatives

1.  What is the Alternative Transportation program?

      The Alternative Transportation program offers TU members cost effective and environmentally friendly transportation options. The program includes Off Campus shuttle service, Public Transit Subsidy and Carpooling.  The university also has a partnership with Zipcar.  Zipcar is a car sharing service that provides wheels when you need them. For details, go to www.zipcar.com/towson.

2.  Can I receive a discount on my permit if my vehicle gets better gas mileage than a hybrid vehicle?

Hybrid vehicles are not only gas efficient, but they also have a lower greenhouse gas emissions. Because hybrid drivers demonstrate a commitment to the environment and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, Towson University is offering permit discounts to hybrid drivers only at this time. 


3.  It costs more to purchase a hybrid.  I can’t afford a hybrid so I can’t get a discount.  Those who   can afford a hybrid can afford the higher permit rate.  Why should I purchase a hybrid to get the permit discount?

Purchasing a hybrid requires an initial investment. It also provides owners with significant cost savings over the lifecycle of the car.  The increased efficiency in gas associated with hybrid vehicles can add up to $3,000 a year in cost savings, depending on the type of car you currently drive.  When compounded over the lifecycle of the car, this cost savings far surpasses the initial investment made.

 

4.  Is a discount offered to those who carpool?

     Carpoolers can take advantage of the incentives offered to every one who chooses alternative

     transportatoin.  The incentives include free parking and free enrollment in the Guranteed Ride

     Home program.

 



Parking and Transportation Services

Union Garage

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

410-704-PARK (7275) Parking, Events, Shuttle and Charter Bus Information
410-704-RIDE (7433) Para-Transit Services and Requests
Fax: 410-704-3370
E-mail: upark@towson.edu

 

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