August 19, 2025 — As the new academic year begins, Marist is rolling out expanded transportation options, enhanced safety tools, and an updated parking map—all designed to better meet student needs. These updates aim to make getting around campus safer, more efficient, and more responsive.

Below is a breakdown of what’s new, what’s improved, and how the Marist community can adapt for a smooth and successful start to the semester.

Marist’s First-Ever Shuttle Service
Marist is launching a new campus-wide shuttle service to improve getting around campus and reduce parking congestion. Each shuttle can accommodate up to 24 passengers and will operate on a consistent schedule throughout the day and evening. Real-time tracking of each shuttle’s location is available via the new MaristSafe app (more on that below).

The shuttles will have two continuous routes that operate 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday–Friday.

• Academic Express is a 6-minute loop.
  • Stops include 51 Fulton and Beck Lot, the front entrance to Lowell Thomas, and Fontaine.
  • This route provides quick, convenient access to academic buildings and low wait times.
• Marist Loop travels a larger loop on the perimeter of campus.
  • Stops include Lower West Cedar, Marketplace, 51 Fulton, and Beck Lot on east campus, as well as Fontaine, Lowell Thomas, Tenney Stadium, and McCann Center on west campus.
  • This entire route takes approximately 16 minutes.

The shuttles start on the first day of classes, August 25. Don’t forget your Marist ID. You’ll need it to ride the shuttle.
 

MaristSafe App: A New Era of Campus Safety
Marist is proud to launch MaristSafe, a new mobile app designed to deliver improved resources and streamline communication with Campus Safety. The app allows users to:

• Track shuttle bus locations in real time
• Access emergency contacts and safety tools
• Submit tips or concerns directly to campus security
• Use virtual walk-home features and location sharing for added peace of mind
• Emergency notifications and weather-related delayed openings/class cancellations

MaristSafe is now available for download on both iOS and Android devices and is highly encouraged for all students, faculty, and staff to use.

Campus parking signage and lot designations have been updated—watch for the new signs. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

Parking Changes: East and West Campus Zones
To improve traffic flow and parking availability, Marist has updated its campus parking map and parking lot designations.

Campus Safety conducted a comprehensive review using drone technology to gather detailed daily data on parking space usage and availability. This initiative was supported by student input through focus groups, forums, and permit data analysis, with strong collaboration from the Student Government Association.

This collaborative approach shaped the development of the following plan. Starting at the beginning of the academic year, the following will be in effect:

• Commuters and residents of East Campus must park exclusively in designated East Campus lots Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Residents of West Campus must park exclusively in West Campus lots Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

“This parking plan provides student residents with ample parking in lots nearest their housing location,” added Gough. “It also provides dedicated parking for commuters with shuttle services to the academic core of campus in just a few short minutes.”

These parking changes apply to all students who purchase a parking permit. Students can register for a permit here.

Have questions about these new features? Check out our FAQ pages for parking and shuttles and MaristSafe for more information.