Service Updates
This page is updated with changes for Shuttle Services, Evanston Parking, and Chicago Parking announcements.
Shuttle Service Updates
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 Monday, April 14, a testing period will occur where riders will 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.
Chicago Train Station Shuttles Ended Mar. 28
Northwestern and campus partners including Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have worked closely with Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to offer current and enhanced safe options to replace the existing Chicago Train Station Shuttle service.
Service to/from Ogilvie Transportation Center, to/from Union Station, to/from Millenium Station, to/from LaSalle Street Station as well as the Chicago Evening Loop shuttle ended March 28. Please see the Metra Train Station Travel webpage for travel information.
The current shuttle bus program has been operating the same general routes as many CTA bus routes, duplicating services to Streeterville. This change costs monthly riders less money, is a comparable price for daily riders, and is better for the environment by eliminating 52 bus runs from the Streeterville campus. Additionally, partnering with the CTA offers a larger fleet of buses with a more comprehensive maintenance schedule.
Single-Ride Train Station Shuttle Ticket Refund
Unused single-ride Train Station Shuttle tickets may be refunded at the Chicago Parking Office at $2.10 per ticket. Things to know:
- An individual may receive only one refund so ensure you have all tickets gathered prior to visiting the office
- To receive a refund, at the time of the refund you must be affiliated with the University using the same eligibility requirements for purchasing tickets
- The last day to receive a refund will be Thursday, July 31, 2025
If you have questions, please contact shuttle@northwestern.edu.
Chicago Express Pilot
The Chicago Express Pilot route is once again operating for the 2024-25 academic year. Operating dates for Spring Quarter are listed on the Chicago Express page. The route connects the Evanston campus with downtown Chicago destinations such as the Magnificent Mile, Chicago Northwestern campus, and Millennium and Grant Parks.
New Shuttle Loop Service Started Sep. 17
The Loop Shuttle is a newly created route for the 2024-25 academic year. It replaces the Evanston Loop and Campus Loop with one new route that flows in both directions to make it easier to get from place to place – with more frequent stops. Working with its vendor WeDriveU, Northwestern analyzed recent ridership data to develop a network of offerings that includes shuttle enhancements and improved Safe Ride experience for students.
Please understand that this new route is subject to change and may have small adjustments throughout the year. These could be changes to the schedule or routing depending on actual operating conditions.
Evanston Parking Announcements
2024-25 Parking Permits
2024-25 parking permits are available for purchase.
- Student and contractor permits are available for purchase at the Evanston Parking Office.
- Evanston Faculty and staff can purchase parking online utilizing the online parking 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
- None at this time
Major Events
- None at this time
Chicago Parking Announcements
Daily Discounted Parking Program
Starting in 2023, the Daily Discounted Parking Coupon Program has transited to the Daily Debit Recharge Discount Program for most Chicago campus faculty, staff, and students. The Parking Office will no longer provide daily coupons to any faculty, staff, or student who is eligible for the Daily Debit Recharge program. Coupons are still available for temporary, part-time, new, and Evanston-based employees. Please review the information on the Daily Validation page for additional details about the program.
2024-25 Parking Permits
Parking on the Chicago campus is at capacity and most lots are now operating on a waitlist procedure. Faculty and staff with current parking may renew using the online parking portal.
Monthly Contractor Parking
To renew your monthly contractor parking please go 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. If you have questions please call us at 312-503-1103 or email us at chicagoparking@northwestern.edu. We are sorry, but at this time we are not able to process new requests for contractor parking.