University Paratransit Service

About the University Paratransit Service

Anyone who is unable to use fixed transit and needs special transportation service while on campus can request a free accessible ride (curb-to-curb). The service operates on the Twin Cities campus.

  • Vans operate Monday through Friday year-round, except on University holidays.
  • Academic year hours: the first daily trip starts at 7:00 a.m. and the last trip starts at 9:20 p.m.
  • Breaks/summer period hours: the first daily trip starts at 7:00 a.m. and service ends at 6:00 p.m.
  • Rides must be scheduled at least 60 minutes apart. Back-to-back rides may not be scheduled.
  • Rides may be scheduled up to two weeks in advance.
  • A valid University of Minnesota Internet ID is required to make an online reservation or reserve a paratransit trip by phone.
  • Drivers will not call riders when they arrive. Please be at the designated start location at the specified time to ensure pickup.
  • Three no-shows in a 30-day period will result in loss of ridership eligibility for 30 days. Scheduled rides will be cancelled and you will be unable to request rides to occur during the 30-day period.
  • Parking and Transportation Services is not responsible for articles left on vans.
  • Rides may be scheduled from and to more than 200 locations on the Twin Cities campus.

Paratransit Rider Responsibilities

Paratransit and U Cards

Bring your U Card with you on all Paratransit rides! You may need it to get to your destination. 
Add/Change/Cancel a Reservation Online

Use the online reservation system to:

  • Add, change or cancel a reservation 24/7.
    Note: all same-day adds, changes and cancellations must be made by phone between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  These must be at least 60 minutes before the pick-up time.
  • See a list of your pending and past reservations
  • Copy a past reservation to create a new request
  • Manage your contact phone number

Sign in with your U of M Internet ID to get started

Add/Change/Cancel a Reservation by Phone

Call the University Paratransit appointment line at 612-624-8338 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (closed on University holidays).  Requests must be at least 60 minutes before the pick-up time.  If you have difficulty getting through on that line, an alternate phone number to call is 612-626-7275.

Paratransit Stop Locations
Metro Mobility Discounted Bus Passes

Metro Mobility is a door-to-door service that is available by reservation for certified riders unable to use the regular fixed-route bus due to a disability or health condition. Complete details including eligibility, cost and an application form can be found on the Metropolitan Council website or by calling 651-602-1111 (TTY 651-221-9886).

Once certified, deeply discounted Metro Mobility Go-To Cards are available for purchase by University students, faculty and staff at the PTS main office. Contact 612-626-7275 for more information.

In order to receive the discounted price when it is time to add stored value to a Metro Mobility Go-To Card, contact Parking & Transportation Services by email at parking@umn.edu.

Full price general public tickets may be purchased online at Metro Mobility– accessible service for people of all mobility levels.