Bozeman & Campus Transportation Resources

Depending on where you live, you need to consider how you will get to campus and around Bozeman. 

Streamline Bus

Streamline offers fare-free service throughout the Bozeman area to fulfill everyone’s transportation needs. Get information about routes, schedules, and more at streamlinebus.com. Streamline Maps are available at OCSL.

Skyline Bus

Skyline Bus offers service throughout Big Sky and between Big Sky and Bozeman to fulfill everyone's transportation needs. Economical, efficient, and eco-friendly! Get information about routes, schedules, and more at skylinebus.com. 

Carpooling

For those commuting to campus from Belgrade, Four Corners, Livingston, or even across town, carpooling can save you money on parking and fuel. Once you find a potential carpool buddy, here are some questions to ask before jumping in:

1. Who’s driving?
2. What are the schedules of all of the carpoolers?
3. Which route is the most convenient?
4. Where will the pick-up/drop-off location be?
5. How long should the driver wait at a stop for passengers before leaving?
6. What kind of music do you prefer? Radio?
7. Is eating in the car okay? Stopping for coffee?
8. How will the costs be calculated? Cash, check, digital transfer/app? Will the cost of the parking permit and gas be split evenly? What about maintenance fees?
9. What will happen during long vacations? What about sudden illnesses?

Walking

Walking is an effective way of traveling short distance, just remember to stay safe. When walking around at night, keep in mind that Safety Escorts are available through the University Police Department.

Biking

Using a bicycle is a cost-effective method of transportation, but there are some things you should know before you use one on campus:

Follow the Rules

• Bicycles parked on campus must be parked in a bicycle rack.
• Parking a bicycle in any manner which creates a hazard or impedes access will be subject to immediate impoundment.
• RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF THOSE WHO CAN’T GET AROUND AS EASILY AS YOU CAN! Many students on campus have disabilities which limit their hearing, vision, or mobility. They may not be able to see or hear you approach, or be able to quickly move out of the way of a speeding bicycle. THEIR SAFETY DEPENDS ON YOUR COURTESY! When passing pedestrians, please bear this in mind.
• Before you use a bicycle on campus, familiarize yourself with all UPD Bicycle Regulations.

Register your Bike

To help prevent theft, or recover your bicycle if it is stolen, we encourage you to register your bicycle with the University Police. Registration is free and easy to do. Here’s how:

1. Complete a bicycle registration card at the MSU Police Department.
2. Make sure you include the serial number so that your bike can be traced.
3. Affix the registration decal to the frame of your bicycle.

Prevent Bicycle Theft 

• Keep your bicycle locked at all times. Check with a bicycle dealer for an appropriate lock.

• Always secure the bicycle to a bicycle rack! If your bicycle is not secured to a solid object, all a thief has to do is pick it up and carry it away. This has happened before - don’t let it happen to you.

• Register your bicycle with the MSU Police.

• Report suspicious activity — particularly persons loitering around bicycle racks.

Ride Safely

• Scan the road behind. Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance. Always look back before changing lanes or changing positions within your lane.

• Go slow on sidewalks and bicycle paths. Pedestrians have the right-of-way. By law, you must give pedestrians audible warning when you pass. Don’t cross driveways or intersections without slowing to walker’s pace and looking very carefully for traffic from behind, especially traffic turning right.

• Ride in a straight line whenever possible. Ride with the traffic. Keep to the right, but stay a car door-width away from parked cars.

• Avoid road hazards. Watch out for parallel-slat sewer grates, slippery manhole covers, oily pavement, gravel, and ice. Cross railroad tracks and speed bumps carefully at right angles.

• Choose the best way to turn left. There are two ways to make a left turn: 1) Like an auto - signal, move into the left lane, and turn left. 2) Like a pedestrian - head directly to the far-side crosswalk and walk your bicycle across.

• Obey traffic signs and signals. Cyclists must behave like other vehicles if they are to be taken seriously by motorists.

• Ride a well-equipped bicycle. Always use a strong headlight and taillight at night and when visibility is poor. Be sure your bicycle is adjusted to fit you properly. For safety and efficiency, outfit it with bells, rear-view mirrors, fenders (for rainy rides), and racks, baskets, or bicycle bags.

Driving and Parking

MSU Parking Services are maintained through the University Police. Parking registration is required for all motor vehicles parked on campus and can be purchased on UPD's website or at UPD Parking Services.

MSU’s parking regulations are enforced year round, including summer break, Christmas break, spring break, and days with no classes but when MSU offices are open.

Remember:

• You are responsible for anyone parking your vehicle on campus.
• All students, faculty, staff, and visitors must register their vehicle or obtain a parking permit to park on campus.
• You are responsible for all fines assigned to your vehicle.

How to Avoid a Parking Ticket

• Register your vehicle
• Don’t use reserved spaces
• Stay out of yellow zones
• Park in your assigned area
• Don’t park in a service driveway
• Leave handicap spaces empty
• If you get a ticket, pay it on time

How to Avoid Being Towed

• Don’t accumulate 3 or more tickets
• Don’t park in a handicap zone
• Don't park in a red zone

Motor Assistance Available on Campus

The University Police Department provides students, employees, and visitors motor vehicle assistance. Call 994-2121 anytime and one of our officers will assist you with:

• Access to locked vehicles
• Jumpstarting dead batteries
• Weather-related problems
• Calling tow trucks when necessary

Residential Parking

Many areas surrounding MSU's campus require parking permits for the residents living in these areas. It is important to be aware of these areas whether you live there or are a visitor. Residential and visitor parking permits are available at City Hall.