Commuter's Guide to the U

UCard
Free Services
Bicycling
UCar Share

UCard on Utah Transit Authority buses and trains

The University of Utah has an agreement with the UTA that provides our students, faculty and staff access to TRAX, UTA buses and Frontrunner trains. In order to be eligible for this benefit, an individual must have a valid University of Utah ID Card; and, be a current employee of the University, or a matriculating student who has paid tuition and associated student fees for the current semester.

Students and employees arriving this semester receive an ID card that gives them the ability to ride UTA (except for ski buses) without paying the fare. Returning students and current employees have an Ed-Pass that they use in conjunction with their University ID (UCard). A couple of rules regulate this access: The card must be tapped on the card reader located on buses and TRAX stations when boarding and exiting. Neither Ed-Passes nor UCards may be used by others on UTA transit. The UTA has the authority to confiscate passes and ID Cards from those using them fraudulently and to issue court citations.

If you have other proximity cards in your wallet (or your European carry-all,) this may confuse the card reader or cause a charge to be added to a proximity enabled credit card. Students and employees experiencing data collision with cards should contact UTA Customer Service or visit www.rideuta.com.

Free Services for Commuters

Email Alerts: If your email address is current with the University, we will send you messages about road construction, and other events that may impact your commute. Sign up now.

Text Messages: If you leave your headlights on or something else occurs where we need to contact you, we’ll send you a text message if your cell number is accessible.

Dead Battery: We’ll jump start your car. Call 801-581-3204.

Emergency Ride Home: If you come to campus on TRAX or bus and an emergency arises where you have to get home, we’ll get you there.

Help with bicycle repairs: We have an excellent bicycle mechanic who can help with recommendations and minor repairs. There is also a university bicycle collective providing access to tools and bicycle repairs in the sandstone east entrance of the Museum of Fine Arts.

Call us for help in these areas:

• Shuttles: 801-581-4189
• Special Events 801-585-3977
• Jump Start: 801-581-3204
• Permits and tickets: 801-581-6415
• Keys locked in car: 801-585-2677
• Fax: 801-581-4056

View the Contact Information page.

Bicycling

Bicycling is convenient, healthy, and a green alternative to driving to campus. It's virtually cost-free and allows much closer access to your destination than the parking lots. Cycling to the University of Utah can be a fun, practical, and productive way of making exercise a regular part of your life while commuting.
Campus Bicycle Guidelines

• Leave bicycles only in designated areas.
• The speed limit on sidewalks is 10 mph.
• Walk your bicycle through congested pedestrian areas, narrow walkways and disabled access ramps.

Bike racks are located throughout campus. Bicycles should be locked to a bike rack using a u-bolt lock and cable combination. Please do not lock your bike to fences, signposts, disability ramps, stair railings, or trees.

Bicycle Safety

• Wear a helmet.
• Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles. Obey traffic rules and signs.
• Keep your bike in good working order. Check your tires, chain, and brakes regularly.
• Ride with traffic on the right side of the road (not against traffic).
• For night riding, equip your bike with a headlight, taillight, and reflectors.
• Ride as far to the right as is practical, but beware of debris and uneven pavement.
• Be predictable. Ride in a straight line. Do not weave in and out of parked cars.
• Be aware of all vehicles around you whether moving or parked. Look for cars performing sudden lane changes, and doors opening from parked cars.
• Ride single file when traveling in groups.
• Be especially cautious when riding through intersections—anticipate motorists planning to turn into your path.
• TRAX trains can be very quiet and the rails can be very slippery. Be aware of the dangers associated with trains on campus.

UCar Share

Groceries, shopping or a night out, you can do them all UCar Share. If you only need a car occasionally to run errands or quick trips, this may be just what you need. Individuals can rent cars on campus for 4.95/hr + mileage. Some restrictions apply including a good driving record and a minimum age of 18. It’s easy to rent a UCAR, all you have to do is join, reserve, and drive away. Signing up will give you access to a fleet of vehicles on campus and downtown. Cars for quick trips and trucks for the heavy lifting are all available. For more information on check out www.ucarshare.com.

Campus Locations

• Stadium Lot
• President's Circle
• Union Building
• Heritage Center