This summer, budget constraints and low ridership made it necessary for UMBC and UMB to suspend Downtown Line shuttle service linking the campuses. During the months of July and August, the campus piloted an interim MTA bus pass program. The MTA Bus Route #35, which makes 40 stops daily on both campuses, was found to offer consistent and timely service and was successfully used by students taking summer courses or doing research internships. As a result of our students’ success using this alternative, the limited number of riders who utilize the service, and continuing budget concerns, UMBC and UMB will continue to rely on this method of travel for students and interns in inter-campus academic programs.
To obtain a reduced-rate student bus pass, visit Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) at The Commons, Suite 309. Students must present their university ID and current class schedule to obtain their passes. See the specific distribution dates below. For more information, contact OCSS at ext. 5-2770 or visit the OCSS Web site.
MTA Student Discount Bus Pass Program
OCSS distributes passes each month on the following dates:
September: August 26 – September 4
October: September 25 – October 6
November: October 27 – November 5
December: November 24 – December 4
MTA Bus Pass Financial Assistance Program
During the fall semester’s transition period, students who are enrolled in inter-campus programs where travel between campuses is required, and who need financial assistance to obtain an MTA bus pass for that purpose, may file an application through their academic department. The Commons Administration is responsible for the administration of the MTA Bus Pass Financial Assistance Program.
Inquiries and completed applications should be directed to Patti Schuyler at ext. 5-3455 or by e-mail. Her office is located at The Commons, Suite 335. The applicable department chair’s signature is required on the application form which is available here.
The OCSS distribution timeline applies to underwritten passes also and are obtained by the student, in person, from Schuyler during business hours on those dates at Suite 335 of The Commons upon submission of a completed and approved application form.
For more information about local MTA service and to view MTA’s Bus Route #35 schedule, click here.
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“The MTA Bus Route #35, [], was found to offer consistent and timely service”
This is factually untrue. The 35 bus service does not run on time, an on occasion certain evening services are cancelled.
The bus service stops at one side of the campus, and in contrast with the shuttle service does not route around Hilltop Circle.
It also goes through dangerous areas towards Downtown Baltimore, making it a risk for people heading that way from the UMBC campus.
The cancellation of the shuttle was due to reasons of economics only. There is no suitable alternative. Dr. Hrawbowski, please do something to bring back the Shuttle!