8 Things You May Not Know About UT Dallas Parking & Transportation

UT Dallas Parking & Transportation Services plays a vital role on the UTD campus.

“We work very hard to ensure that staff, faculty and students have a positive parking experience, even as we plan for the future on this growing campus,” said Dr. Calvin D. Jamison, vice president for Facilities and Economic Development. With the fall semester approaching, here are eight things you may not know about UT Dallas Parking & Transportation Services:

Renovation of 3.3 Million Square Feet of Parking

More than 3.3 million square feet of parking area is being renovated this summer in a collaborative effort between Parking & Transportation Services, Facilities Management and external contractors.

“This renovation project is a testament to our commitment to providing a top-notch parking experience for our campus community,” said Cristian Aquino, director of Parking & Transportation Services.

Various campus construction projects that impact multiple campus parking facilities require the reconfiguration of color-coded parking spaces. Changes to the color-coded parking spaces will not be enforced until September 1. Students, faculty and staff may continue to park in their current spaces without needing to update their parking permits through August 31.

To stay informed about parking updates, changes, new construction and closures, please visit the Auxiliary Services news site, follow UT Dallas Parking on X and sign up for parking email alerts.

New Parking Lots To Add 446 Spaces

Two new parking lots with an estimated capacity of 446 parking spaces are being built — east of Armstrong Drive, south of the Naveen Jindal School of Management. They are projected to be finished by the end of the summer. The lots will compensate for parking areas that have been closed for construction projects.

UTD Parking, Transportation Services Is Self-funded

All parking-related expenses, including maintenance of parking lots and construction of new facilities, are funded by fees collected from users of the parking facilities, primarily through sales of parking permits. All funds received from parking permit sales, including fee increases, are used to support UT Dallas parking and transportation infrastructure.

“As the campus grows, it is important to keep up with changing parking needs,” said Bob Fishbein, associate vice president for Auxiliary Operations and Economic Development. “Our goal is to ensure ample parking options are available for all members of the campus community.”

Stricter Enforcement of Parking Facilities

A parking permit or pass from the University is required to park a vehicle on campus. The citation fee for parking without a permit is being reviewed to properly assess penalties to those who violate UT Dallas policy.

“Protecting the investment of students, faculty and staff who pay for parking will be one of our top priorities in the next school year,” Aquino said.

More Metered Parking Spaces

The number of metered spaces will increase 29% for the upcoming school year. Metered parking — essential for hybrid employees, special events and campus guests — will see a significant increase in availability starting this fall. One of the objectives in expanding metered parking is to offer short-term parking options for employees with hybrid work schedules.

Metered parking will be available in Lot B1, Lot F (Visitor Center), Lot M East and UTD’s three parking structures (PS1, PS3 and PS4). You may purchase time up until midnight at most metered parking locations; metered parking in Lot F has a three-hour limit per transaction. Metered parking in Lot B1 and Lot M East accepts PayByPhone. All other locations accept central meter payment and PayByPhone.

Expanded Comet Cruiser 883 East Service

Parking & Transportation Services collaborated with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART [Dallas Area Rapid Transit] ) to pilot a service expansion on the Comet Cruiser 883 East route. Frequency increased to every 15 minutes during the spring and fall semesters, from the previous 30-minute frequency. The increased frequency benefits students, faculty and staff who commute to campus from CityLine/Bush Station, and from nearby residential communities along Renner Road and Alma Road. The 883 route is a heavily utilized route, with nearly 800,000 riders during the 2023-24 fall and spring semesters. Riders are not required to have a DART pass or special identification to ride the Comet Cruiser, as the service is completely complimentary.

New DART Service Around Campus

Parking & Transportation Services coordinated with DART to introduce routes 232 and 244 to further enhance service for the UT Dallas community. With stops along the campus perimeter, routes 232 and 244 offer additional public transportation options for students, faculty and staff who commute to campus. A DART Local pass is required for routes 232 and 244.

More Zipcars; New Smart EV Stations

UT Dallas Parking & Transportation Services has partnered with external vendors to provide car sharing and smart electric vehicle (EV [Electric Vehicle] ) charging stations on campus. There are currently 20 Zipcars available for use to students, faculty and staff, at hourly or daily rates. Smart EV stations are located in PS1 and PS3. Visit the charging section of the parking site for details about all of UTD’s charging stations.

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