PRM-009: Provision of Mass Transit and Charter Services at the University
Academic Division and the Medical Center.
The University is committed to providing safe, dependable, and courteous transit services to the University community. To achieve economies of scale and greater efficiency, the University has authorized the Department of Parking & Transportation to provide a fixed-route service and to offer charter services when available.
- Mass Transit Standards:A passenger transportation system in which the vehicle capacity for transporting passengers is greater than 15 passengers or with a passenger count of 30 passengers per hour or more.
- University Grounds:The areas where administrative functions, teaching, and research facilities, as well as athletic and recreational facilities of the University, that are used by members of the University community are located.
The Department of Parking and Transportation’s University Transit Service (UTS) is the only entity authorized by the University to provide fixed-route mass transit services to faculty, staff, students, program participants, and visitors. Schools/departments/units may transport riders from point-to-point to promote more efficient operations provided the demand is below mass transit standards based on vehicle size or passengers per hour. Additionally, the University may sanction certain types of supplementary programs, such as on demand services and paratransit operations.
The UTS service area is defined by parking, residential, and employment densities and road capacities within reasonable proximity to University Grounds in Charlottesville. Expansion of service to new locations or alterations to service must meet mass transit standards; or be directly linked to the promotion of safe transportation or continuity of operations; or result in significant net gains for the University’s student body, faculty/staff, and/or visitors, as determined by the Department of Transportation. If these criteria are not met, the school/department/unit may address the transportation needs from their own school/department/unit resources.
In addition, if feasible, UTS may provide fee-based chartered bus service in support of University-wide events or for University schools/departments/units and other affiliated organizations on a first-come, first-serve basis. (Contact [email protected] for specific information.) If UTS is unable to provide the charter services due to staffing or equipment limitations, nothing in this policy will preclude schools/departments/units from using vendors to provide charter services.
Compliance with Policy:
Failure to comply with the requirements of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination in accordance with relevant University policies.
Direct questions about this policy to Parking and Transportation Services.
For questions, quotes, or to arrange a charter over the phone, contact the Charter Representative at [email protected].
Charter Service Reservations
Minor clarifications 4/21/26; Confirmed 9/2/25; Added Compliance section 7/21/21; Updated 3/28/11.
VII.Q.3 University Transit Services (UTS).
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