By: Bob Browand 

Hey Coogs! Before the fall 2016 semester gets underway, there are a few things you can do to make sure that your commute to and/or around campus this year is as seamless and as stress free as possible.

The following lists outlines some of the most important parking and transportation items to keep in mind before heading to class:

Program Changes

New Year: New Routes

1. • As of Monday, Aug. 15, the Cougar Line shuttle service has revamped their routes. Buses now circulate the following routes Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. until 11 p.m.

• Bayou Oaks Route
• Cullen Oaks Route
• PGH/ERP Route
• Student Center/ERP Route
  
  • As part of these changes, the ERP Express, Campus Loop and Outer Loop routes have been DISCONTINUED. 

Lot Reallocations/New Campus Parking Map

1. • Some lots on campus have been reclassified from Economy lots to Student lots. All of these changes and more are reflected on this year's campus parking map.

New Visitor Rates

• • Visitor parking rates have changed for the 2016-2017 school year. Familiarize yourself with the new pricing here.

New Simplified Fee Structure

• • Earlier this month we introduced a new four-tier citation structure. All new citation levels are available online. 

Permits, COAST and More

Permits

• • If you haven't already purchased a parking permit, you can still make a selection by logging in to your myParking Account via AccessUH. Permits are required to park on campus and must be displayed beginning on Monday, Aug. 22. Order yours now.
    Note: At this time, all student garage permits are sold out.

COAST

• • A new alternative transportation program that aims to better serve the ever-evolving campus and UH community by reducing the overall number of vehicles traveling to and parking on campus, COAST offers perks and benefits to members who carpool, ride METRO or join Zipcar.
    
    For more information, visit www.uh.edu/coast.

Other

• • Individuals who will NOT be driving or carpooling to campus, riding METRO or taking advantage of Zipcar, but instead choose to get dropped off by a loved one or walk or bike to UH do not need to purchase a parking permit or take advantage of the COAST program.

Thursday Game Days

Parking and mobility on campus will once again be impacted during the week, as the UH Cougars have two Thursday night football games set to take place in TDECU Stadium. To learn how parking and transportation will be impacted on the dates below, visit www.uh.edu/parkgameday.

General Reminders

Word on the Street Blog

• • For regular parking updates and news, be sure to bookmark the blog and check it regularly. Entries are posted two to four times a month.

Traffic Alerts page

• • To learn how upcoming events, construction and more will impact traffic in and around campus, be sure to regularly check the traffic alerts page, accessible on the parking main page.

Permits are non-transferrable

• • Individuals are urged to not resell their permits to each other, as the original purchaser's account information will still be tied to the specific permit number. All permit transactions including returns and exchanges should be handled by the Parking and Transportation Services team.

published: Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016