Navigating Campus: Parking and Transportation FAQs

Can I park on campus? Do I get my own parking space? How does the bus system work? Do I have to pay or show ID as a passenger? These are only a few of the questions your student may be asking as they prepare to start their first year at Georgia Tech. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions from first-years and their parents to help your student figure out how to navigate campus. 

CAMPUS PARKING

Are permits required to park on campus?

All vehicles on campus are required to have a parking permit or park in visitors spaces/lots at the posted hourly rate. 

Should I bring a car to campus? What factors should I consider? 

First-year students are allowed to bring a car to campus and purchase parking permits. Students who are undecided about purchasing a permit do not have to make a rush decision. Permits are sold year-round at prorated prices and can be returned for prorated refunds before March 31. Also, PTS offers temporary permits so students can park for a week or a month, giving them time to try out parking before buying an annual permit.

Some factors to consider before buying a permit include: 

• How often do I plan to drive? Daily? On weekends? On holidays?
• Will I seek a job off campus that may require me to drive? 
• Do I feel more secure having my car accessible to me? 
• Can I rely on campus and regional transit?

How do annual parking permits work? 

Annual Individual Permits allow parking in one assigned location 24/7, except in the case of special events or construction. Permits are valid from August 15, 2020, through August 14, 2021. During business hours, vehicles must remain in their assigned lots. After 5 p.m. and on weekends, permit customers can park in ungated nonresidential parking locations. Please note: Students are not assigned specific parking spaces; they may park in any available space within their assigned parking location. 

How do I choose a parking location? 

Most parking locations are available for students and employees and are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Many students base their permit locations based on the following:

• Their residence hall location.
• Proximity to specific academic buildings.
• Covered parking (parking decks) vs. open lot parking. 
• Infrequent event parking locations (a list of event zones can be found at pts.gatech.edu).

How do I purchase a parking permit? When can I purchase?

To purchase a parking permit, log on to driverseat.gatech.edu using your Georgia Tech username and password. Once your purchase is complete, the amount will be charged to your bursar’s account for payment along with tuition and fees in the fall. You may purchase when you have a Georgia Tech username/password and have enrolled in classes. Permit sales for the 2020-2021 academic year begin June 19. 

What information do I need to purchase a parking permit?

• Georgia Tech username/password (to purchase via driverseat.gatech.edu).
• Vehicle’s license plate state and number.
• Vehicle’s make, model, year, and color.
• Mailing address (for carpool or motorcycle permits).

Where do parents/family/guests park when visiting campus? 

Several visitors parking lots and metered spaces offer hourly parking. Visitors may pay the posted hourly rate via the Parkmobile app or using a credit card in gated locations. Also, temporary permits are available in the PTS office for daily or weekend parking (credit card only).  

How does parking during football games work for students and visitors? 

Most campus parking lots are vacated on Fridays before Saturday football games. Registered permit customers will receive emails several days before gameday to give them alternate parking locations for gameday. 

Visitors may pre-purchase parking passes for gameday via ParkMobile. Individual gameday or seasonal passes are available for RVs and standard vehicles. 

What measures are in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in parking facilities?

As a safety precaution, PTS has increased measures to disinfect all stairwells, banisters, elevators, and other surfaces in parking decks multiple times daily. Instead of visiting the PTS office, customers are encouraged to complete permit purchases, citation payments, and parking management online via driverseat.gatech.edu. Additional guidelines may be implemented as fall semester approaches. Please continue to follow the CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and the well-being of the community

CAMPUS TRANSIT

How do the transit routes work?

Nine transit routes service main campus, Tech Square, Midtown Atlanta, MARTA, Atlantic Station and Emory University. Most routes connect these locations with the east and west residential zones, the Campus Recreation Center, dining halls, and several academic buildings.

How hard is it to learn the transit routes? 

The transit system is easy to learn and accessible to all students, employees, and campus visitors. The easiest way to learn the system is to download the Passio GO! mobile app or visit bus.gatech.edu, which provides a campus map and real-time tracking services for each route. 

How long do I have to wait for the buses?

During peak hours, most buses arrive at each stop within six to eight minutes. Service hours are adjusted during non-peak hours. Traffic, weather, and other factors may cause delays. Download the Passio GO! mobile app or visit bus.gatech.edu for real-time bus tracking. 

Do I have to pay or show ID to board? Can parents or visitors ride the buses?

The service is fare-free and does not require BuzzCard/ID to ride. All students pay a mandatory transportation fee that covers transit fare. Parents and visitors are welcome to ride Georgia Tech transit free of charge. 

How late do the buses run? Is there late-night transportation? 

Many transit routes operate until 9 or 10 p.m. The Midnight Rambler transit route operates from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week during fall and spring semesters. It connects the east and west residential zones to dining halls, Crosland Tower. and Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons. In addition, the Stingerette provides on-demand rides from 7 p.m. to 6:45 a.m. every night (except Institute holidays and during football games). Service is offered to and from all campus buildings and from campus to several off-campus apartment complexes in Midtown Atlanta. Students can visit stingerette.com or download the Stingerette or LiveSafe apps to reserve rides. 

Are services available for students with mobility needs?

All Georgia Tech transit vehicles are ADA compliant/accessible. Paratransit provides daily transportation for students who have temporary or permanent disabilities that require transportation accommodations. Contact the Office of Disability Services located in the Smithgall Student Services Building to be approved for paratransit services. 

What measures are in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19 on Georgia Tech transit vehicles?

As a safety precaution, PTS has increased measures to disinfect all transit vehicles multiple times daily. Please utilize the rear door for entry to provide the driver social distance. Additional guidelines may be implemented as fall semester approaches. Please continue to follow CDC recommendations to protect yourself and the well-being of the community.

BICYCLES AND SCOOTERS

Are bikes allowed on campus? What should I do if I bring a bike to campus?

Bicycles and scooters are allowed on campus. Georgia Tech has a robust bike infrastructure and several fix-it stations. Please adhere to bike lanes and paths when riding on campus. Helmets are recommended; they can be purchased in the PTS office for $12. Register your bike with Georgia Tech Police for safety precautions. Always park your bike at bike racks using a U-lock. Bike storage is also available in the W22-Dalney parking deck with BuzzCard access. In collaboration with GTPD and Bike GT, free bike/scooter safety classes are provided for all faculty, staff, and students.

Are there any bike share or repair programs?

Relay Bikeshare stations are located conveniently on campus for short-term rentals. Starter Bikes offers bike repair and refurbishes old bikes to sell at a low cost. 

WALKING

Why should I walk across campus instead of using transit or driving my car? 

As an alternative to using transit or driving, many students walk to class. With social distancing practices and increased ridership in the fall, campus buses may have limited capacity. Also, students should not drive their cars to class, as they are required to keep cars parked in their assigned lots during business hours. Walking provides a convenient way to travel, get some exercise, and explore campus. 

Where can I find more information about these services?

Visit pts.gatech.edu for more details about all parking and transit programs. Talk to a customer service agent via info.parking@parking.gatech.edu.