The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is launching its first mobile payment option for visitor parking starting with the 2021-2022 academic year, with transportation software and payments company, Passport. In addition to offering the Passport Parking application, UMBC is also leveraging Passport’s digital platform to drive higher compliance rates and manage its parking enforcement operations.

The Passport Parking app allows parkers to efficiently and conveniently manage parking sessions through their smartphones, eliminating the need to carry change or interact with public surfaces. After downloading the free app, a user enters the respective zone number (posted on nearby signage and decals), a license plate number and the desired length of time for parking. Users can receive notifications when their sessions are about to expire and view receipts and parking history directly from their smartphones.

“The university community has requested a mobile payment solution for years because we see the value in the backend management capabilities and the ease of use of this application for our students, faculty and staff,” says Director of UMBC Parking Services, Chuck Boddy. “There is no better time to implement an easier, contactless payment solution. We are very excited to partner with the Passport team on this initiative.”

Passport’s digital platform is trusted by numerous cities, universities and private operators to manage mobile pay parking, parking enforcement, digital permitting and more. With a centralized, end-to-end digital platform in place, UMBC has access to powerful data that will allow the team to form more data-driven decisions, building a more sustainable and equitable campus for students, faculty and visitors.

“UMBC is starting its fall semester off on the right foot with a digital platform in place to manage its parking needs and make parking more convenient,” says Mark Schleyer, Passport regional sales director. “Students, faculty, staff and guests can pay on the go while UMBC can streamline its parking management, drive higher parking compliance rates, create a better user experience and gain access to valuable insights and data.”

The Passport Parking app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play. Users can also manage their parking online at passportparking.com.

Installation of Health Services & Counseling Building modules will require closure of select roads and parking lots May 21 through June 1.

Center Road north of the Health Services & Counseling Building will become two way traffic May 21 through June 1, similar to the traffic pattern during spring break. Access to the Y Preschool, Hillside Apartments and University Health Services will be maintained.

Poplar Avenue inside Hilltop Circle will be closed May 21 through June 1. There will be no parking on Poplar Avenue in this location. Vehicular access from Park Road to Poplar Avenue and out to Hilltop Circle will remain open except for short periods of time when the modules are transported through the area.

The north end of the Stadium Lot, as well as Lot 23 will be closed May 21 through May 28.Select parking along Hilltop Circle, between Poplar and Walker Avenues, will be off-line May 21 through May 28.

Signage will be posted throughout the area to help direct vehicles and pedestrians. No additional pedestrian walkway impacts are anticipated during this time. Visit the Facilities Management website for additional information about this projects

As construction of the Health Services & Counseling Building continues, underground utility work will require a temporary closure of Center Road just south of the Erickson Hall. The closure will occur over spring break, 3/13/2021 – 3/21/2021. Center Road north of that point will become two way traffic during daytime work hours with the Erickson drop-off acting as the turnaround for the two-way section of the road. Steel plates will cover the excavation and Center Road will be opened during off-hours. Access to the Y Preschool, Hillside apartments and UHS will be maintained at all times and signage will be posted to help direct vehicles. Please refer to the diagram depicting the campus impacts described above.

Visit the Facilities Management website for additional information about this and other University projects.

Accessibility is part of the design process, and Facilities will work in partnership with Accessibility and Disability Services which supports faculty, staff, students and visitors with disabilities. If you have a concern about accessibility, or want to inquire about a disability-based accommodation, please do so through the Accessibility and Disability Services website.

As construction of the Health Services & Counseling Building continues, the work will require closure of the walkway between Susquehanna Hall and True Grit’s. The walkway will be closed beginning on 2/22/2021 through 3/31/2021. As this walkway is not an accessible route, accessible access to the area including to True Grit’s will not be impacted. Signs will be posted in the area for the duration of the closure and the walkway will reopen on 4/1/2021. Any changes or additional information will be communicated through the myUMBC Facility Management Group and other appropriate methods. 

Visit the Facilities Management website for additional information about this and other University projects.

Accessibility is part of the design process, and we work in partnership with Accessibility and Disability Services which supports faculty, staff, students and visitors with disabilities. If you have a concern about accessibility, or want to inquire about a disability-based accommodation, please do so through their website.

Thank you for your patience as we work to maintain and enhance the UMBC campus.