Skip to main content

Service Updates

This page is updated with service changes and announcements.

Jump to content:

Shuttle Service Updates

Fall Quarter Shuttle Service

  • Loop Shuttle: Service began for Fall Quarter on Tuesday, September 15.
  • Intercampus: Regular service continues during Fall Quarter.
  • Chicago Express: Service will operate on select Saturdays during Fall Quarter.

Chicago Express Fall Quarter

Associated Student Government is again funding the Chicago Express route for the 2026-27 academic year. The route connects the Evanston campus with downtown Chicago destinations such as the Magnificent Mile, Chicago Northwestern campus and Millennium and Grant Parks.

The route will operate on the following Saturdays during Fall Quarter:

  • Saturday, October 17
  • Saturday, October 31
  • Saturday, November 14
  • Saturday, November 21
  • Saturday, December 5

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

2026-27 Parking Permits

2026-27 parking permits are available for purchase.

  • Faculty and staff may renew their parking utilizing the online parking portal.
  • Student and contractor permits are available for purchase at the Evanston Parking Office.
  • 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

Saturday, October 10: Football vs Ball State

The Ryan Field West lot (#101) will be closed on Friday, October 9 at 11pm through Saturday, October 10. Additionally, the following parking lots will be closed on Saturday, Oct. 10 through the conclusion of the game, to support game-day parking operations. Vehicles remaining in these lots may be ticketed and towed at the owner's expense.

  • Ryan Field West Lot (#101) - Closed after 11pm Friday, October 9.
  • Cook Hall Lot (#122)
  • Noyes/Haven/Sheridan Lot (#132)
  • Northwestern Place/Garrett Lot (#118)
  • Library Place Lot (#130)
  • 619 Clark Street Lot (#226)
  • 711 Elgin Road Lot (#232)

The North and South parking garages will close for entry at 8:30 am in order to allow for gameday parking.

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

Major Events

  • Saturday, October 10: Football versus Ball State at Ryan Field
  • Sunday, October 18: Chicago Red Stars match at Lakeside Field
  • Friday, October 23: Chicago Red Stars match at Lakeside Field
  • Saturday, October 24: Football versus Rutgers at Ryan Field
  • Saturday, November 7: Football versus Iowa at Ryan Field
  • Saturday, November 28: Football versus Illinois at Ryan Field

Chicago Parking Announcements

2026-27 Parking Permits

Parking on the Chicago campus is at capacity and most lots are now operating on a waitlist procedure.

Faculty and staff with an existing permit may renew their parking utilizing the online parking 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.