The program, which will be faster and more convenient, showcases UMB’s commitment to campus vibrancy, community connectivity, and sustainability.
Exciting changes are rolling out at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).
Beginning Aug. 3, 2026, UMB will debut a revitalized and reimagined shuttle service designed to make getting around campus — and the surrounding community — easier, faster, and more convenient than ever before. The new shuttle program marks a significant step forward in UMB’s commitment to campus vibrancy and community connectivity. It’s a tangible investment in the people who live, work, and learn at UMB — and in the neighborhoods we call home.
New, smaller passenger-style shuttles will be more sustainable — reducing carbon dioxide emissions — and include bike racks for added commuter flexibility. The service will remain free at the point of use for faculty, staff, and students, with no increase to existing student service fees.
The new service will feature a convenient “hop on, hop off” design — just head to a designated stop and catch a ride. It is transportation made simple, consistent, and accessible for the UMB community. As in the past, riders will need to present their UMB One Card to board the shuttle.
Operating Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., the refreshed UMB shuttle will run four fixed loops with pickups every 15 minutes, connecting UMB’s Pearl Street Hub with campus, nearby neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks, for easier community access:
- The Poppleton Loop (green loop) will serve the northeast and northwest areas of campus, running between Greene and Schroeder streets. The route will extend north to sections of West Mulberry and West Saratoga streets, and south to portions of West Fayette and West Baltimore streets, starting and ending at the Pearl Street Hub.
- The Lexington Loop (blue loop) will make a full rectangular loop from the Pearl Street Hub, traveling east on West Baltimore Street, turning north on Park Avenue, continuing west on West Franklin Street, and returning to the Pearl Street Hub.
- The UMB Campus Loop (purple loop) will make a full loop from the Pearl Street Hub, heading south on Greene Street, passing through Ridgely’s Delight and Barre Circle, continuing along Poppleton Street on the western edge of campus, and returning to the Pearl Street Hub.
- The Arts District Loop (orange loop) will leave the Pearl Street Hub, head south on Greene Street, and loop through part of the Arts District, including southern points of interest such as Westminster Hall, the Hippodrome Theatre, Everyman Theatre, CFG Bank Arena, and the Bromo-Seltzer Arts Tower. Traveling north on Paca Street, the shuttle will return to the Pearl Street Hub.
Scott Bitner, MBA, CPA, deputy chief financial officer and vice president for finance and auxiliary services, said, “The reimagined shuttle program will contribute to a more vibrant campus and community providing students, faculty, and staff in these communities with an improved experience, including more dependable and faster accessibility to campus.”
He added that what excites him the most about the launch of the revitalized UMB shuttle service is that the “transformation of the transportation programs creates an opportunity to increase density ... on and around campus.”
With the shuttle changes, UMB’s Safe Ride program will complement the shuttle hours and operate from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Safe Walk will remain available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To help the UMB community prepare for the transition, information sessions will be held this fall. There will be a table at the Campus Involvement Fair on Sept. 12 with information and an opportunity to learn more, and another session will be held Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to noon on the second floor of the SMC Campus Center. These sessions will give students, faculty, and staff the chance to ask questions and get ready for what promises to be a smoother, smarter ride.
In addition to the new University shuttle, UMB community members can continue to ride the Charm City Circulator (bright-green city buses) and use the Harbor Connector. Additionally, faculty and staff can take advantage of cost-saving MTA discounts, and students will be offered a new and improved MTA benefit that also will roll out in 2026:
- Whether you live, work, or play in Baltimore, the Charm City Circulator can help faculty, staff, and students get to many downtown places. Best of all, it’s free! (https://transportation.baltimorecity.gov/charm-city-circulator)
- The Harbor Connector works in concert with the Charm City Circulator, offering a seamless way for faculty, staff, and students to explore Baltimore by water. This free service connects four key piers across the harbor, making it easy to get around the city. (https://transportation.baltimorecity.gov/harborconnector)
- Maryland Transit Administration’s discount programs, for UMB faculty and staff, provide other transportation options and discounts. (https://www.umaryland.edu/parking/transportation/public-transportation/mta-commuter-benefits/)
Together, these services offer a comprehensive and convenient transportation network that supports the diverse needs of the UMB community. By integrating multiple options, UMB is fostering greater access and engagement on campus and throughout Baltimore.
The reimagined shuttle isn’t just a transportation update — it’s also a movement toward a more connected, vibrant UMB. Stay tuned for more information — and hop on board!