MCC’s Transportation Program Frequently Asked Questions — Parking, Bus Services

Effective during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Starting the first day of classes, full and part-time MCC students will have access to various transportation options at no additional cost during the fall and spring semesters:

  • On-campus parking - park at any MCC location when the college is open.
  • Regional Transit Service (RTS) bus services - ride the bus anywhere 24/7.

All transportation services are supported by the $75-per-semester transportation fee assessed to students.*

*Some students—including those who take all their classes online or at the Public Safety Training Facility—are not assessed a transportation fee and are not eligible for the program. For these students, metered and pay-by-plate parking is available at both campuses. Bus transportation can be accessed by paying regular rates specified by RTS.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a parking permit and bus pass?

  • To park at any MCC location: You must register your vehicle with Parking Services. Multiple vehicles can be registered on one parking account at no extra cost, but only one vehicle is allowed on campus at a time.
  • To ride the bus: You must have a valid MCC student ID, which functions as a Universal Pass (U-Pass). When boarding the bus, just swipe the MCC ID card in the card reader slot indicated by the blue arrow in the picture at right. You can ride the bus at any time—including weekends, college breaks (e.g. Thanksgiving and December/January holidays), and intersession.

Can I use both the U-Pass and the parking permit?

Yes.

Can I use the U-Pass and the parking permit in the summer?

No. MCC’s transportation program concludes at the end of spring semester and does not cover summer sessions. Students can access bus services by paying regular RTS fares. Summer parking permits are available online.

Does financial aid cover transportation costs?

Students who qualify for federal financial aid, scholarships, grants, loans and other resources available through MCC may be able to apply those resources to offset the cost of the transportation fee. The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) cannot be used to cover the cost of the transportation fee.

Are part-time students able to participate in the program?

Yes. Full- and part-time students who are assessed the transportation fee have access to campus parking and RTS bus services (U-Pass).

Can I still use the transportation services if I withdraw from my classes?

No. Only registered students can use the U-Pass. If they withdraw from all their classes, their U-Pass will be inactive.

If I do not use the bus, can I receive a fee waiver?

No, the transportation fee is nonrefundable. The fee supports expenses related to full-service transportation, including campus parking, RTS bus services, and maintenance and security of campus roadways, walkways and parking lots.

Do I still pay a parking fee?

The transportation fee replaces the parking fee and is assessed at the same rate. Under the transportation program, services for parking and RTS bus are bundled to provide students with greater flexibility in their commutes depending on their needs and situations.

If I’m approved to ride the paratransit, can I use the U-Pass?

Current MCC students who are certified for RTS Access (paratransit service) are included in the U-Pass program. Students must be pre-certified through RTS Access (application is available at www.myRTS.com).

Where can I find the bus schedule?

  • Go to www.myRTS.com/MCC for RTS schedules, route maps and other information.
  • Call RTS at (585) 288-1700.

Where are the bus stops on campus?

MCC campus maps indicate the location of RTS bus stops.

Questions about the transportation program?