Restarting Binghamton: How to get around campus and the region this fall
Because of COVID-19, students will have a few new rules to follow
Binghamton University is discouraging student travel outside of the Broome County region during the fall semester, but when they do travel locally, students will have a few new rules to follow when getting around the Binghamton University campus and the surrounding area. Here’s a look at some of the changes.
By bus
Off Campus College Transport (OCCT) and BC Transit will be operating, but with passenger limits and health guidelines.
OCCT buses will operate between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. this fall. All routes will still be available and run at similar frequencies, except for Late Night service, which will not be available this semester. The OCCT Campus Shuttle will operate from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. The OCCT schedule is being finalized and will be available soon at occtransport.org.
BC Transit will operate between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. this fall. BC Transit routes and schedules are available at gobroomecounty.com/transit/routes. All routes will still be available and will run at similar frequencies. A new route, the Vestal Express, will run from some of the off-campus housing complexes to the University. Download the DoubleMap application for real-time bus-tracking information.
OCCT will limit ridership to 17 passengers per blue bus and eight passengers per green campus shuttle. Passengers must wear masks and social distance at all times, both inside the bus and while waiting in line with other passengers. Riders not wearing masks will be denied entry. When riding OCCT, passengers will enter through the front of the bus and scan their University IDs, and they will be required to exit through the rear doors. Buses will be cleaned and disinfected at night, and high-touch points will be wiped down midday.
BC Transit is limiting ridership to 17 to 23 passengers per bus, and requires that masks be worn and social distancing take place. Riders not wearing masks will be denied entry. Passengers will enter through the front of the bus and be required to scan their University IDs. BC Transit will be cleaning and disinfecting their buses regularly following required guidelines.
The University’s Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) anticipates reduced travel due to many classes going online. Once the transit demand is evaluated, resources will be reallocated to the extent possible. Both OCCT and BC Transit have a fixed number of buses that will limit the ability to add service.
Download the ETA SPOT application for real-time bus-tracking information. OCCT and TAPS will monitor usage to make necessary changes if overcrowding occurs.
Escape does not intend to run bus service until Thanksgiving break, because there are no breaks in the academic calendar this fall. Service for Thanksgiving break will depend on adequate demand.
By car
Parking rules and regulations are in effect. When parking on campus from 7 a.m. Monday through 4 p.m. Friday, a valid parking permit is needed. Permits are available for purchase online. To limit in-office visits, Parking Services staff can answer questions by email at parking@binghamton.edu or by phone at 607-777-2279. All transactions should be completed online when possible, but all in-person transactions will be made weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Events Center Box Office, where Parking Services has moved its operations until further notice.
More people may be bringing their vehicles to campus, but the reduced densities for classes and staffing should free up capacity to meet any additional parking demand.
The rule restricting first-year resident students from parking on campus has not been changed.
Whoosh! has changed its pay-by-phone metered parking app to flowbird. To park using flowbird, download the app, enter your credit card information and type in your metered parking area. Flowbird allows you to add more time to your metered space right from your phone.
Binghamton University has a new partnership with 511NY Rideshare, a free carpooling platform. 511NY Rideshare is an easy way to find a carpool for everyday commutes and travel to and from home on holidays and breaks. Connect with those in the Binghamton University community by signing up and setting up a free profile.
Safe Ride is unable to provide vehicle escorts this fall. University Police will continue to provide walking escorts for anyone who does not feel safe walking on campus. This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Students, faculty and staff can request a safe walking escort by calling 607-777-2393.