Parking Details from Sherry Davidson at PTS
Staff and faculty may cancel/return their permit (for the upcoming year) through August 14, without any charges. Please use the Permit Return form location on our website. The link can also be found here. After August 14, 2020-2021 annual permits may be returned anytime through March 31, 2021 for a prorated refund. Please note that temporary and SmartPark permits are not refundable. So, if someone has renewed and has now changed their mind and would like to return their permit, they may do so by using the Permit Return form or they may contact our office by email at info.parking@parking.gatech.edu. (The form is the preferred method to request a return).
Regarding the assigned area, unfortunately, once a permit is returned, the space assignment is not held for the individual. This should not be a problem for most locations, but it will impact anyone with an E44 permit, due to the size of its waitlist. Space in all other locations (including Peters and Burge) typically turn over pretty quickly. So, if someone adds themselves to a waiting list for a location, they will most likely be awarded a space within the same semester.
I also want to update you on a pilot that we’re trying to launch by August 15. For employees who are planning to telework and may commute to campus one-to -two times per week, you know we have the SmartPark program, which is currently available at 5 locations across campus (Area 1, E81, W02, W22 and W23). Well we’re also looking to launch a program which allows faculty, staff and students to purchase temporary permits (online) for a similar cost as the SmartPark daily parking. The temporary permits will be available at non-SmartPark locations, such as E65, W01, W06, W21, ER51, etc. We have not yet finalized the guidelines, but hope to have it announced by next week and available beginning August 15. These permits will be virtual (no physical hangtag) and may be purchased as needed. This will give campus users the ability to park in more campus locations at a discounted rate. As soon as we’ve completed the details, I’ll send you an update.
Tech Transit Updates
This fall, campus transit routes and service frequencies will be adjusted to accommodate social distancing impacts on bus capacity. Primary routes, like the Gold (formerly called Tech Trolley) and Blue Routes, will have increased service frequencies. Red Route, Midnight Rambler, and the weekend Gold Route services will not operate during the fall semester; those resources will be refocused on increasing service on our primary routes.
The GT/Emory shuttle will resume August 3rd and the Blue, Green, and Tech Square/Clough Routes will resume service by August 17th. Detailed routes and schedules for fall semester are now posted on our PTS website at http://pts.gatech.edu/campus-bus-routes.
Also, in order to provide social distancing, the nighttime Stingerette service is currently limited to one rider at a time. Starting August 1, Stingerette service will be available from 9:30 PM to 4:45 AM, daily. Due to the change in Stingerette hours, we’re making some fixed route changes will be in effect starting August 17th:
- The Blue Route service will be extended to midnight, Monday-Friday, to help accommodate evening ridership.
- The Green Route service will be extended to 9:30 PM, Monday-Friday, to help accommodate evening ridership.
- The Gold Route service will start at 5:00 AM, Monday-Friday, to accommodate early morning MARTA trips.
Regarding our new bus guidelines (to promote social distancing and safe riding), we’re implementing the following:
- Avoid riding the bus or Stingerette if you are sick.
- Face masks are required of all riders. Riders without a mask may request a disposable mask from the driver.
- Boarding and exiting will take place through the back door whenever possible.
- Seating guidelines will be in place for social distancing (every other seat will be blocked).
- Standing will not be allowed on the bus. If no seats are available, passengers will need to wait for the next bus.
- Riders are encouraged to limit conversations on board buses.