Transit and Parking Reminders for Campus at the Approach of the First Day of Classes

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A newly refurbished Maple Street opened on the weekend of Aug. 10-11. It will carry some heavy traffic once classes begin.

With all the activity that comes with the start of a school year, there is a lot for incoming students to remember.

With that in mind, Transit and Parking offers some helpful info and a list of important reminders:

Obtain a Parking Permit — Most University of Arkansas students who will have a vehicle on campus have already secured a parking permit, but for those who haven't, you should do so as soon as possible. You may go to myparkingaccount.uark.edu to purchase a permit online.

Park in the Right Area — All drivers who park illegally run the risk of getting a parking citation. Please note that if you are parked in the wrong lot on Sunday night, Aug. 25, you will get a citation the following morning if it isn't moved. It is best to make sure your vehicle is parked legally on Sunday so that you do not have to worry about it on the first day of class.

Driving Isn't Always Best — When it's time to go to class, Parking and Transit recommends that students on campus walk or ride a Razorback Transit bus. Once school begins, thousands of commuters will be driving to the university each day. Those who are already here won't really be helping themselves by joining in on the heavy traffic.

Completing a Commute — For those who commute, the most efficient way to get to class is to park in green parking lots or in Lot 99 (the orange remote lot) and then ride Razorback Transit to the heart of campus. You may, however, choose to walk from some of those lots. A downloadable map of all the parking areas on campus is at parking.uark.edu/parkmap.

Bus Information — For transit information, go to parking.uark.edu/transit-services or call 479 575-RIDE (7433). Razorback Transit also recommends the free app called PassioGO! which shows the buses on their routes in real time. You may go to passiogo.com.

Expect Heavy Traffic — Commuters who have a garage permit are reminded that some parts of campus near parking garages may be very congested. There are times in which you can expect some delays and should plan accordingly.

Plan Ahead — For both commuting students and for students who live on campus, it is best to leave early to get to class or to other appointments. When the university is up and running on a normal day—with thousands and thousands of people going to class or to work—it is like a small city. With those conditions, it is best to build more time in to your schedule, especially at the beginning of the fall semester.

Nighttime — There are certain parking lots on campus that do not allow overnight parking, so students will want to be aware of those, especially students who live in university residence halls. The lots that do not allow overnight parking are 1, 46W, 46E, 47N, 55, 56E and 74. In addition, no overnight parking is allowed in the Meadow Street Parking Garage.

Big Games — Students who have green parking permits will need to vacate the green parking lots before major athletic events. Several faculty and staff lots will need to be cleared as well. Transit and Parking provides reminders of this via email and social media, so it is important to check your email regularly. It also helps to follow Transit and Parking on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. The first big event of the school year is on Saturday, Aug. 31, when the Razorbacks host Portland State in the opening football game of the season. To get ready for this game, lots will need to be vacated no later than 12 midnight on Friday, Aug. 30. Go to maps that show the lots that must vacated for athletic events are at parking.uark.edu/parking-services/athletic-events-parking.

Other Athletic Events — Lots must also be vacated for men's basketball, women's basketball, soccer, and softball. You may see the parking areas that are needed for these events by going to the athletic events site.

Taking Care of Business — If you have any questions related to Transit and Parking, you can go to parking.uark.edu or you may call 479-575-PARK (7275). You may also come by the office during regular business hours at 155 South Razorback Road, across from Bud Walton Arena.