Mason Families

What you need to know: Parking & Transportation

Parking and Transportation would like to share some information to help you and your student plan for a smooth commute as they arrive on campus this fall.

Parking Permits 
Parking permits go on sale Monday, July 23 at parking.gmu.edu.  For information on choosing the right parking permit and rates, watch our resource video and visit parking.gmu.edu/PDF2018/Parking%20Permit%20Sales%202018%202019%20-%206.19.2018.pdf.

As your student is purchasing their permit, please note the “print permit” link just below the permit description on the final screen. This will allow them to print a 10-day temporary permit usable immediately while they are waiting for the permit to arrive in the mail. The hangtag will be mailed to the address the student selects, or provides, during the purchase process. For a step-by-step tutorial on how to purchase a parking permit, watch our resource video.

Note: Students who join Zimride, Mason’s free rideshare network by Tuesday, July 17, will be able to buy a parking permit three days early on Friday, July 20. Students, faculty, and staff can use Zimride to find or share a ride, or to find a carpool partner.

Construction and Drop Off 
There are some construction and/or maintenance projects underway that may impact campus travel, including, but not limited to the Robinson Hall and Campus Infrastructure projects in Fairfax and the Hylton project at SciTech.  In Fairfax, please refrain from using Aquia Creek Lane as a drop-off point; it is much preferable to use the Finley or Merten Lots or Chesapeake River Lane (near Starbuck’s).  For a campus map, please visit gmu.edu/resources/welcome/Directions-to-GMU.html.

To keep up with the latest construction and traffic impacts, visit building.gmu.edu  or follow @MasonParking on Twitter.

Additional Transportation Options: Mason Shuttles and Bicycles
Mason Shuttles and bicycles are not only convenient, but they are also great green transportation options for your student to try this fall. There are currently six Mason shuttle routes with various on- and off-campus destinations, including the Vienna Metro (2 routes), Burke Centre VRE, area malls (Gunston Go Bus), our Science and Technology Campus, and the West Campus shuttle. All shuttles and the CUE Bus are free with a Mason ID and are equipped with bike racks. Summer schedules and maps for the shuttles are available at shuttle.gmu.edu. Look for fall schedules to be posted in mid-August. Follow @MasonShuttles on Twitter for more information.

Mason is also a designated bicycle-friendly university with over 1,400 bike rack spaces as well as bike pumps and fix-it stations. Students can register their bike at bike.gmu.edu to receive a free U-lock, bike lights, safety information, and more.

If you or your student have any questions about your student’s new commute or need more information, please contact transpo@gmu.edu or 703.993.2828.

Janet Walker
Transportation Programs Manager
Parking & Transportation