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Service Updates

This page is updated with service changes and announcements.

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Shuttle Service Updates

Graduation Weekend Shuttle Information

We congratulate the graduating Wildcats and welcome their guests to campus! There will be shuttles operating for Graduation Weekend convocation events throughout the weekend. Note that there are no shuttles provided for the Commencement ceremony at United Center. For full information about shuttles and parking, see the Graduation Transportation webpage.

End of Spring Quarter Shuttle Service

Please note the following changes to the University's shuttle service with the end of Spring Quarter.

  • Loop Shuttle: The last day of service is Thursday, June 11. Regular service will resume in September.
  • Intercampus: Regular service continues during the summer.

Intercampus Reroute Due to City of Evanston Water Main Project

Due to the City of Evanston's water main improvement project along Central Street, the Intercampus buses are currently not operating along Central Street. All buses will reroute to Isabella Street. As a result, both eastbound and westbound stops on Central Street will be missed. This includes Central L Station and Central/Jackson stops in both directions. This portion of the project is planned to be completed June 12, weather permitting.

New Pilot Route: Hop Around Evanston

We're excited to introduce Hop Around Evanston, a new pilot shuttle route created in partnership with the Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations and the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. This free service helps connect the campus community with Evanston's vibrant dining, shopping, and entertainment districts.

The route is open to all Northwestern students, faculty, and staff, as well as Evanston residents.

Hop Around Evanston operates on Saturday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. throughout Spring Quarter.

View the full route map, stop locations, and real-time schedule in TripShot.

Spring Quarter Operating Dates:

  • Sat, June 6
  • Sat, June 13
  • Sat, June 20

Shuttle Wildcard Tap/Reader Implementation

During this academic year, we have been working with our shuttle vendor to implement a new Wildcard tap reader system on the shuttle buses. This new system will allow Transportation & Parking to better understand ridership trends and confirm University affiliation.

Beginning January 2026, a testing period commenced where riders tap their Wildcard when boarding a shuttle. The Wildcard reader system will provide a valid or invalid notification. At this time, an invalid notification will result in a closer examination of your Wildcard';s expiration date. If your Wildcard expiration date has not passed, you can continue to ride the shuttle. If you feel your invalid notification is incorrect, please complete a Wildcard Reader Testing Form so Transportation & Parking can investigate why you received an invalid notification.

As a reminder, shuttles are a free service for University students, faculty, and staff with presentation of a valid Wildcard. Expired Wildcards are not accepted. For information on how to replace or request a Wildcard, please visit the Wildcard site. 

Evanston Parking Announcements

2025-26 Parking Permits

2025-26 parking permits are available for purchase.

  • Student and contractor permits are available for purchase at the Evanston Parking Office.
  • Faculty and staff may sign up for the annual sticker using the online portal.
  • As outlined in the Evanston Campus Parking Policies, temporary permits are non-refundable. Please note temporary permits can be purchased on a daily or monthly basis.

Vehicle Storage

Parking of vehicles for over 48 consecutive hours is prohibited. This includes all holiday and academic break periods.

Contractor parking

Construction contractors for all capital projects are prohibited from parking in all main campus lots. This includes North garage (# 105), South Garage (# 211) and South Beach two level structure (# 214, 215).

Lot Closures

  • ITEC Lot (#248): Closed for the City of Evanston Farmers' Market on Saturdays, May 2 through November 21.

Major Events

  • Graduation Weekend, July 12-15: Please be aware of additional visitors to campus for Graduation Weekend activities and ceremonies. We encourage you to park on south campus and in lots west of Sheridan Road. North campus and Ryan Field will fill quickly each day. For information about shuttles and parking that weekend, please see the Graduation Transportation webpage.

Chicago Parking Announcements

2025-26 Parking Permits

Parking on the Chicago campus is at capacity and most lots are now operating on a waitlist procedure. Faculty and staff with a 25 sticker may renew using the online portal.

Monthly Contractor Parking

We are sorry, but at this time we are not able to process new requests for contractor parking.

If you have an existing monthly contractor permit, you may renew it by going to the Erie/Ontario garage Customer Service Office located on Ontario Street near the first floor vehicle exit, just east of the southeast elevator lobby. Fill out the monthly renewal form at the office and make your payment there. You can renew your parking access Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In an effort to reduce cash handling, please utilize credit cards or checks for your payments.