Navigating campus can be seamless when you’re well-informed about your parking and transportation options. Towson University (TU) provides a range of services to accommodate students, faculty, staff, visitors, and retirees. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about parking permits, regulations, visitor parking, shuttle services, and more, ensuring your commute and time on campus are as smooth as possible.
Accessing the eParking Portal
The central hub for managing your parking needs at TU is the eParking Portal. This online platform allows you to:
- Purchase Parking Permits: Acquire permits for the 2024/2025 academic year and beyond.
- Pay Parking Citations: Quickly and easily resolve any parking tickets you may receive.
- Update Vehicle Information: Maintain accurate records of your vehicle details associated with your permit.
- Manage Your Parking Account: Access and oversee all aspects of your TU parking profile.
[ Access the eParking Portal ]
Important Parking Regulations to Remember
To ensure fair and efficient parking for everyone on campus, please adhere to the following regulations:
Front License Plate Requirement
Vehicles without a front license plate must be parked facing forward in parking spaces. This is crucial for the License Plate Recognition (LPR) system used for parking enforcement. The LPR system relies on visible license plates to automatically verify parking permits.
To avoid parking citations, always park your vehicle facing forward if it only has a rear license plate. If your vehicle has both front and rear plates, you can park in either direction.
This regulation is in place to streamline parking enforcement, ensuring that parking spaces are readily available for all permit holders. Vehicles parked without visible license plates or with obstructed plates may be subject to citations.
Parking Options for Faculty, Staff, and Students
Towson University offers diverse parking permit options tailored to the needs of faculty, staff, and students. All permit acquisitions are managed through the eParking portal.
Faculty, Staff, and Students (30+ Credit Units)
Several permit choices are available for faculty, staff, and students enrolled in 30 or more credit units. To explore and purchase your permit:
- Visit the designated parking pages:
- Follow the simple steps outlined on these pages to complete your permit purchase.
- You will need your TU NetID and password to log in to the eParking Portal.
- After purchasing your permit, carefully review the confirmation email you receive. This email contains essential details about your specific permit type and other important parking information.
Freshman Student Parking
Students with less than 30 credit units are classified as freshmen and have specific parking guidelines:
- Freshman Commuter Students: May purchase Overflow or Evening parking permits. Learn more about commuter student parking options.
- Freshman Resident Students: Are not permitted to purchase parking permits or keep vehicles on campus. For more information on residential student policies, visit residential student parking page.
Visitor Parking Information
Visitor parking at Towson University has transitioned to a virtual permit system.
ParkMobile App for Visitor Permits
Paystations are no longer in use on campus. Visitors can now purchase parking permits exclusively through the ParkMobile app. TU utilizes a pay-by-plate system, meaning your virtual visitor permit is linked to your license plate.
For detailed instructions and further information, please refer to the TU Today Announcement regarding the transition to ParkMobile.
Department Guests and Vendors Parking
Effective July 1, 2024, Parking Services has streamlined the process for department guests and vendors. The ParkMobile Reservation & Events system has been replaced with the Off-Street system for parking permits requiring access codes. Department guests no longer need to use the ParkMobile Reservation System. Reservations are now managed online directly through the relevant university department.
For comprehensive details, visit the Visitors, Department Guests & Vendors parking page.
General Parking Guidelines on Campus
Parking on the Towson University campus requires adherence to specific regulations and permit requirements. Always ensure you park in designated areas appropriate for your permit type.
Free Parking for TU Retirees
Towson University values its retirees and offers a special parking benefit.
TU Retiree Parking Benefits
As part of your retiree benefits package, all retired Towson University faculty and staff are eligible to receive one (1) free Faculty/Staff Annual parking permit.
How to Apply for Retiree Parking
Follow these steps to apply for your free retiree parking permit:
- Complete the Retiree Parking Application: Access and fill out the Retiree Parking Application Form.
- Await Application Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation email at your TU email address upon approval of your retiree status. As a TU retiree, you retain your TU email address as a continued benefit!
- Obtain Your Free Permit: Once you receive the confirmation email, you can acquire your free Faculty/Staff parking permit through the eParking Portal.
Parking Enforcement, Citations, and Appeals
Adherence to parking regulations is essential to maintain order and accessibility on campus.
Enforcement Hours
Parking permits are required during enforcement hours, which are:
- Monday through Thursday: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Fridays: 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM
24/7 Enforcement
Please note that enforcement is active 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for:
- Reserved Spaces (Numbered Spaces, Resident Life areas, etc.)
- Accessibility Spaces
- Safety Violations
Parking Citations
If you receive a parking citation, you have two options:
- Pay the Citation: You must pay the citation within 30 days of the issue date. Pay online at the citation payment page.
- Appeal the Citation: If you believe the citation was issued in error, you can appeal it within 25 days of the issue date. Begin your appeal at the citation appeal page.
Understanding Parking Signs
Pay close attention to parking signs throughout campus. These signs clearly indicate which permits are valid for specific parking areas and any time restrictions that may apply.
Core Permits: Valid in core campus areas and overflow parking in stadium lots. Also valid in faculty/staff areas outside of restricted times. Learn more about Student Parking.
Overflow Parking: Available near TU Arena and Johnny Unitas Stadium. Learn more about Commuter Parking.
West Village Resident Parking: Designated spaces on West Village Garage levels 4, 5, and 6, plus overflow lots near the stadium. Resident Student Parking Information.
Faculty/Staff Permits: Valid in faculty/staff spaces at all times. Faculty/Staff Parking Details.
Parking in Commercial and Residential Areas Off-Campus
Students, faculty, and staff are strongly advised not to park in nearby commercial parking lots or residential communities while on campus. Many of these areas have strict parking programs that limit parking to patrons or residents during certain hours. Violators in these off-campus areas are subject to fines and potential towing.
Utilizing Shuttle Services
Towson University offers a convenient and free shuttle service to all members of the campus community. Shuttle services are an excellent alternative to driving and parking on campus, especially for navigating between different areas of the university.
Learn more about TU Shuttle Services.
Real-Time Shuttle Tracking
For up-to-the-minute shuttle locations and predictions, use:
- TUTigerRide Website: http://www.tutigerride.com/
- TU Ride App: Download from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Sustainable Transportation Program
If you frequently use TU shuttles, consider enrolling in the Sustainable Transportation Program. Participants in this program can receive up to eight free parking codes per year, incentivizing the use of alternative transportation methods.
Campus Construction Updates and Parking Impacts
Towson University’s campus is continually evolving, with ongoing construction projects. Stay informed about Campus Construction Updates to understand any potential impacts on parking and transportation routes. Being aware of construction zones can help you plan your commute and parking strategies effectively.
Conclusion
Towson University is committed to providing comprehensive Parking And Transportation Services to its community. By understanding the regulations, utilizing the eParking Portal, and taking advantage of shuttle services, you can ensure a hassle-free experience on campus. For any further questions or assistance, please visit the Towson University Parking Services website or contact their office directly.
