By Mackenzie Prince 

Students, staff and faculty at the University of Maryland use Shuttle-UM transportation services daily to travel around the College Park campus. While bus times are available on signs outside of each stop, there is another way for people to check: the Transit app.

Launched in 2012, Transit is available via the App Store and Google Play. With the app, users can track bus and train schedules, check stops and identify the route closest to their location.

The UMD Office of Marketing and Communications commented on behalf of the university’s Department of Transportation Services (DOTS), explaining the app’s positive aspects.

“As the leading service provider for transit systems like WMATA and Prince George’s County, Transit also allows us to display Shuttle-UM’s information alongside services like Metrobus and TheBus, expanding riders’ available commuting options,” the office wrote.

The office also explained how some issues may arise during UMD sports games, including delays, which is why they encourage users to subscribe to alerts on their most-used routes.

However, despite the app’s functionality, some students encounter frequent issues and delays. Samantha Tam, a freshman neuroscience major, mentioned false bus times and routes out of service.

“I just don’t know how to work the app,” Tam said. “It’s not user-friendly and I always experience so many issues when I try to figure it out.”

Tam also said her location consistently registers incorrectly, which is inconvenient for determining which route to take.

Ally O’Neill, a freshman kinesiology major, echoed Tam, saying she only understands how to navigate two to three bus routes. O’Neill also described specific issues with the Transit app.

“Some buses will have a scheduled time but will show up late, arrive at the wrong time or just won’t even be at the designated stop,” O’Neill said. “I’ve more so experienced issues with timing rather than location, though.”

Nevertheless, the Office of Marketing and Communications understands that errors are inevitable and is constantly working with DOTS and the Transit app to ensure safe rides for all passengers.

The office advises concerned users to reach out via the “Email Us” tool in the app or by calling DOTS at 301-314-3687.

Featured image: Shuttle-UM 104 waits in front of the Regents Drive Garage bus stop. Photo by Mackenzie Prince, March 6, 2025.