Getting to the University
The University of Minnesota recognizes that drivers to the U’s Twin Cities campus will face a new set of commuting challenges for the 2007-2008 school year due to the I-35W bridge collapse and football stadium construction.
The U has been working closely with the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, the Minneapolis Park Board, and the State of Minnesota to ease the commute of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. At the same time, we want to ensure that the measures we take will not dislocate traffic problems into the neighborhoods surrounding the University.
We will continue to explore all options that will help move traffic more efficiently. The University also welcomes any suggestions or ideas you many have to ease congestion. Send your suggestions to sienk011@umn.edu.
When you come to campus, it’s wise to plan ahead, consider all your options, and stay up to date on the latest changes via the City of Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Transportation Web sites.
Some access routes to the Twin Cities Minneapolis campus have been affected by the I-35W bridge collapse, so please see revised driving directions.
Leave your car at home
The best thing you can do to make travel to campus easier is to leave your car at home. Of the roughly 68,000 students, faculty, and staff on campus during a typical school day, 68 percent arrive by foot, bike, bus, or carpool—it’s a lot easier than you think.
- Bus it
More than two dozen bus routes serve the University of Minnesota with convenient stops and hours.
Express Routes that serve the University (328 K PDF)
All routes that serve the University directly
And with the U-Pass and Metropass programs, paying for your ride is easier than ever.
- U-Pass
This fall, more than 20,000 University students are expected to take advantage of the unlimited-ride U-Pass program. Students pay only $64 per semester and the pass is good for unlimited bus and train rides.
- Metropass
Metropass is the U of M’s unlimited-ride transit pass for faculty and staff. With the expected levels of congestion this fall, we’ve lowered the monthly price of Metropass from $64 to $45 to make the program more affordable for faculty and staff.
- Share the ride
Any vehicle with two or more people has access to the least expensive parking on campus. The new Lot 33, located just north of Mariucci Arena, is reserved for carpools until 9 a.m. If you’re looking for a carpool companion, Metro Commuter Services has a list of 13,000 potential carpoolers and will help find a match.
U of M Car/van pool information
- Bicycle
To accommodate the expected increase in bicycle traffic, we’ve installed additional bike racks all over campus. Some traditional bicycle routes, such as West River Road, remain closed so be sure to check the City of Minneapolis bicycle information Web page for updates and detours.
Of course, you can also bike commute. All Metro Transit buses and light rail have bike racks, so you can bike to a nearby stop and hop on the bus or put your bike on the bike rack for part of your ride.
Parking (if you don’t leave your car at home)
The Huron Boulevard parking complex closed in July—it’s now the construction site of TCF Bank Stadium. Replacement lots have been built and more are on the way, but parking on the East Bank will be tight this year. Be sure to plan your route and leave plenty of extra time to get to where you’re going.
U of M Parking Information
Parking Maps and Directions
U of M Parking and Transportation Services Home Page
- Fairground parking expanded
One very good option is to park at the State Fairground Lot and ride the free Campus Connector to Minneapolis. We’ve added 900 spaces at the fairgrounds so there will be plenty of room, and the Connector runs every five minutes during the school day.
Fairgrounds Parking Map
|
