Transportation Options
A number of options exist for students without cars on campus. UT’s downtown location is ideal for walking, bike riding and the use of public transportation.
Campus Programs
Zipcar
UT has partnered with Zipcar to offer a car-sharing program on campus. The convenient, economical transportation option is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for students, faculty and staff ages 18 years and older. Members access cars using either their mobile device or their Zipcard and only pay for the time they rent the car — by the hour or by the day. The rate includes gas, insurance, GPS navigation, Bluetooth technology, 24-hour Roadside Assistance and in-car communication with the Member Care Center.
For more information, please visit UT's Zipcar webpage. Questions may be directed to Madi Bridges in the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement (OSLE), at mbridges@ut.edu or (813) 257-3999.
Bicycling at UT
The University of Tampa encourages biking for the UT community as a healthy, cost-effective way for students, faculty, staff and visitors to get to and around campus. Benefits of biking include reduced traffic and parking congestion to cleaner air. UT advocates for bicycling use through investments in bicycle infrastructure, including bike racks and bike rentals, and programming. Learn more at Bicycling at UT.
BikeUT
BikeUT is currently unavailable.
BikeUT is a University-wide, free bike rental program created to promote outdoor physical activity and sustainable transportation options. Housed by the Benson Alex Riseman Fitness and Recreation Center and supported by Student Government, the program offers the campus community the opportunity to rent bikes on a daily basis with a valid Spartan ID. Bikes can be ridden off campus for exercise along the 4.5-mile Bayshore Boulevard lining Tampa Bay or to pick up groceries at the Tampa Downtown Market or nearby Publix. Some bikes are equipped with baskets, and all rentals come with a helmet and bike lock. For more information, please visit UT's BikeUT webpage.
Tampa Bay Area Programs
The University of Tampa is situated closely to downtown Tampa. The Downtown Tampa Transportation webpage contains information and weblinks to a variety of transportation options and resources within and around the downtown area.
Ridesharing
Uber and Lyft ridesharing services are available throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Students can request affordable rides on demand using the Uber and Lyft apps. Rides are cashless and convenient.
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART)
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) offers local bus service within Hillsborough County, the TECO Line Streetcar System in downtown, the Channel District and Ybor City, and alternative transportation options in the Tampa Bay area. The Downtown Tampa map provides a detailed map of service locations and points of interest in the downtown area.
Sponsored by Student Government, there are HART bus passes for sale in the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement (OSLE) for a discounted price. The passes are a 31-day "unlimited ride" sold exclusively to students. Stop by OSLE, Vaughn Center 215 to purchase yours today!
Coast Bike Share
Coast Bike Share is an effective, convenient and environmentally friendly transportation option, enabling short trips around town. Coast Bike Share hubs can be found near campus and around the downtown, Ybor City, Channelside and Hyde Park areas. Coast bikes are available 24/7 and are equipped with baskets, lights and locks.
Electric Scooters
The City of Tampa hosts a shared micromobility program to provide bicycles and e-scooters for Tampa's downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The bicycles and motorized scooters allow people to quickly and easily travel short distances and help commuters access public transit stops that are several miles away. For more information, please visit the City of Tampa's shared micromobility program webpage.
The UT campus is considered a "no ride zone" for electric scooters. While UT applauds and encourages use of alternative transportation, because of UT's heavy pedestrian traffic, construction zones, narrow streets, accessibility requirements and frequent events, scooters can become hazardous and create safety issues for community members. UT community members who choose to use the rented electric scooters are asked to leave them at the vendor's off-campus scooter corrals, or at a safe, unobtrusive site on the perimeter of campus. Electric-powered scooters may not be charged in or near University buildings, including, but not limited to offices, residence halls and dining facilities.
Safety Tips
- Wear a seatbelt and be alert and aware during transit.
- Do not travel alone if possible and be extra careful late at night.
- Sit in the backseat. This ensures you can safely exit on either side of the car.
- Follow your intuition. Trust your instincts and use good judgment when riding with taxi or rideshare services. If you ever feel like you're in an emergency situation, call 911.
- UT students, faculty and staff who have the Spartan SOS safety application on their mobile devices can use the Friend Watch feature to set a timer when they travel that will inform a friend or family member if they do not arrive at their destination safely.
Ridesharing Services
- Request your ride inside. Limit the amount of time you're standing outside alone with your phone in your hand. Wait for your driver inside until the app tells you the driver has arrived.
- Get in the correct vehicle. Make sure the license plate, driver photo and driver name match what's listed in the app.
- Share your trip details with friends. While in the car and on the app, tap "Share status" for Uber or "Send ETA" for Lyft to share your driver's name, photo, license plate and location with a friend or family member. They can track your trip and see your ETA without downloading the app.
- Protect your personal information. There's no need to share your phone number or other contact information with your driver.