Chancellor Phil Dubois, right, helps launch Charlotte Wheels on Aug. 23

Technology and transit are revolutionizing how we get around campus AND between campuses! New this fall are the Charlotte Wheels bike-sharing program, bigger and more frequent campus shuttle buses, and apps to help you catch buses to off-campus destinations. The giant change comes next spring with the start of light-rail service to uptown Charlotte and beyond.

Take a tour on foot or online

If you haven’t been to the main campus in a while, you’re likely to be surprised by the many changes. Freshen up your 49er campus knowledge with help from the virtual campus tour (designed for prospective students, but helpful for the rest of us, too). Get directions and construction reports via the interactive campus map. Or download the self-guided tour brochure. Just be aware that with changes happening so quickly, both are already missing some new details, such as the health building under construction at Craven and Cameron, and the 100 bikes available to rent by the hour or longer.

Parking and Transportation Services Central

The PATS webpage is a great place to visit if you have the time and want to dig down into the many ways to travel across campus and beyond.

• “Everything about Parking and Transportation Services” – The PDF – If you prefer having information you can hold in your hand, this compact printable document is a must-have. Get tips on dealing with campus traffic and scarce parking, especially during the next couple of weeks and major events like football games. Plus get information on many other services explained below. View and download the document

Here are some key services to check out

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  The first LYNX train to visit University City on the overpass at University City Boulevard

  Charlotte Wheels – Campus-wide bike sharing has begun, with 100 bikes at stations throughout campus available to locate and rent via a smart-phone app or website. Details

•  CATS app – The new RideCATS mobile app lets customers buy bus and transit tickets anytime plus see the next 3 times a bus or train will arrive at their stop. With 107 light-rail trains pulling into the UNC Charlotte station each weekday, we’ll certainly appreciate this new service. Details
• Parking map – View online or download as printable PDF plus get parking tips. Webpage
• Improved campus transit service – The university has a new transit system with bigger and more frequent buses, with service from 6 am to 2:30 am Mondays-Fridays. Riding is still free. Details
• Light rail – Service on the LYNX Blue Line Extension to uptown will start by next March, with special rates for students, faculty and staff. Get the latest campus news on the coming transit service, passes and more at lightrail.uncc.edu