Student Transportation Guide

News for Students

• MCTS Winter ChangesDecember 30, 2025

  Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) will introduce its winter schedule updates on January 11. Riders are invited to view the changes at RideMCTS.com/ServiceChanges For the seven major routes that service UWM and the surrounding area, a summary of major changes is below. MCTS Route Changes GreenLine — Bayshore to Airport Saturday frequency reduced: Buses now …

Events

There are no upcoming events.

Students with special accessibility needs are encouraged to review accessible parking and transit options offered by Transportation Services. Please note that there is no free parking on campus, and that permit or payment is required to avoid possible citations.

Bus Pass

The student bus pass, or U-PASS, allows students to get unlimited rides on the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS). The U-PASS is powered by the UMO Mobility smart phone app. Students get a new benefit code for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters to continue using the app. Students must be paying segregated fees through tuition to qualify.

Be on the Safe Side (BOSS)

Be on the Safe Side, or BOSS, is a free late-night rideshare service that offers safe door-to-door transportation around UWM’s campus and throughout the East Side of Milwaukee. The service is paid through segregated fees (that are assessed as part of tuition), and there is no cost at point of service. BOSS is typically open from 6 PM to 2 AM during the Fall and Spring semesters. It is closed for major holidays and severe inclement weather. Limited hours are offered during the Summer.

Prowl Line

The Prowl Line is a supplemental shuttle service that provides direct transportation from the UW-Milwaukee Kenwood Campus to satellite locations. There are two routes:

• Commuter Route: provides transportation between the main Kenwood campus and the Capitol and Humboldt (U-PARK) park & ride lot. Makes a loop with stops:
  • U-PARK,
  • Cunningham Hall
  • Golda Meir Library
• Residence Hall Route: provides transportation between all residence halls and the main Kenwood campus. Makes a loop that stops at:
  • Sandburg
  • Student Union/KIRC
  • Kenilworth
  • Cambridge Commons
  • RiverView

UWM offers different parking and transit services to best serve residential and commuter students.

Residents who want to park overnight must purchase a permit at one of the following areas:

• Cambridge Commons
• Kenilworth
• NWQ
• Pavilion/Klotsche
• RiverView
• Sandburg

Parking is limited, and permits are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Getting to Campus from Residence Halls

The Prowl Line campus shuttle provides transportation from UWM residence halls to the main Kenwood campus, stopping at the Student Union and Sandburg Hall.

Main Campus Parking for Students on Campus Full Time

Commuter parking permits allow the permit holder to park from 5 am to 2 am in designated parking areas.

We typically sell permits at one of the following facilities:

• EMS Garage
• Lubar Garage
• NWQ Garage
• Pavilion/Klotsche Garage

Main Campus Parking for Part Time and Hybrid Students

Generally speaking, if you are on campus three or more days a week, it makes sense to purchase a permit. However, check our Permit Value Calculator to see how it fits with your personal circumstances.

If you do not have a permit, you are charged the hourly rates for a parking facility (which are typically capped at $12 a calendar day). Payment platforms may charge a transaction fee on top of the parking fee.

Park & Rides

During the fall and spring semesters, UWM and the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) offer park and ride services from locations around Milwaukee. Typically, they run from the start of classes through the end of final exams.

• U-PARK is a UWM-run park & ride north of Capitol & Humboldt with service to UWM’s main campus. See our U-PARK page for more information.
• MCTS operates freeway fliers from multiple park & rides throughout Milwaukee county.