- April 08, 2026
- By Maryland Today Staff
The University of Maryland Department of Transportation Services (DOTS) has launched a survey asking students, faculty and staff to share how they travel and what they want from the campus bus system.
It’s the opening stage of Route Reset, the first full overhaul of Shuttle-UM bus routes in more than 20 years, expected to become operational as early as Fall 2027.
The layout of campus and surrounding Greater College Park have undergone dramatic changes since the bus system was last studied comprehensively, DOTS administrators said; add in the impending arrival in late 2027 of Purple Line light-rail service on and around campus, and it was time to look at sweeping changes rather than piecemeal route adjustments.
“We’re going to have this awesome light-rail line moving east and west across campus and changing how people get around, so how should we adjust?” said Armand Scala, senior associate director for Shuttle-UM.
The study will also address any potential operational impacts of running a mostly electric Shuttle-UM bus fleet by 2027 or 2028, he said. Changes will also be “cost-neutral,” meaning no new funding will be required for the adjusted routes, Scala said.
The Route Reset Survey is open through May 5. Participants will be entered to win Apple AirPods 4, a $150 University Book Center gift, or a Summer Break Blind Box valued at $150.
DOTS is particularly interested in student input on the survey, Scala said.
"We have a lot of data: where people live, where people are boarding our current buses and how people are using them," he said. "But that doesn't give us information about what people using the system would like to see. Student fees are funding this system, so we'd really like to see what they want this system to do for them."
Riders can sign up for project updates and follow DOTS on Instagram. Questions can be directed to transportation@umd.edu or 301.314.3687.