Parking FAQ

Mobility Options

Section Contents

Understanding Move VU

  • What is MoveVU?

    MoveVU is Vanderbilt’s strategic transportation and mobility plan, an integral component of the broader FutureVU comprehensive campus planning initiative. Aligned with the guiding principles of FutureVU, MoveVU is dedicated to enhancing the campus environment, preserving its park-like character, fostering sustainability, and improving connectivity across the campus.

  • What is the purpose of MoveVU?

    At its core, MoveVU is committed to diversifying transportation options, reducing the drive-alone rate to campus to support the university's carbon neutrality goals, prioritizing pedestrian and micromobility initiatives, and enhancing accessibility.

  • How do commuters benefit from MoveVU?

    Our programs are designed to provide Vanderbilt commuters with choices beyond traditional driving and annual parking permits, offering greater flexibility to accommodate their dynamic lifestyles. By offering a range of transportation alternatives, MoveVU empowers commuters to make informed decisions about how they travel to and from campus each day.

  • What are the benefits of taking sustainable commute modes?

    Opting for sustainable commute modes offers a range of advantages, including:

    • Contributing to Vanderbilt's sustainability goals by reducing the frequency of driving to campus, thereby lowering carbon emissions from transportation and enhancing air quality
    • Enhancing health and wellness by engaging in more active commutes, such as walking or biking, which can positively impact physical fitness and mental well-being
    • Enjoying greater flexibility with transportation options beyond solely driving alone, empowering individuals to choose their preferred mode of travel to campus on a daily basis

Accessing The Move VU Commute Hub

  • What is the MoveVU Commute Hub?

    The MoveVU Commute Hub, available via the website and Luum app, serves as a comprehensive tool to streamline your commute experience. Through the MoveVU Commute Hub, you can:

    • Explore various commute options beyond driving alone
    • Track and log your commute trips using the Commute Calendar feature
    • Conveniently pay for Daily Parking
    • Earn incentives and rewards for adopting sustainable commute practices
    • Connect with fellow Vanderbilt commuters interested in carpooling or vanpooling
    • Access the Guaranteed Ride Home program, providing assistance in emergencies or unforeseen circumstances
    • Monitor the environmental impact of your sustainable commute choices through your monthly commute statement

    The MoveVU Commute Hub plays a pivotal role in facilitating the transition to making daily decisions regarding your commute and supports the implementation of the Daily Parking option.

  • Do I have to use the MoveVU Commute Hub to use the Daily Parking facilities?

    All participants in the Daily Parking program are required to create an account in the MoveVU Commute Hub at vanderbilt.luum.com. The MoveVU Commute Hub features a Commute Calendar where you must log your daily commute trips. Parking events will automatically be logged in your Commute Calendar when you tap your Vanderbilt ID Card at the Daily Parking facility card readers.

    To earn the sustainable commute incentive, sustainable commute trips (such as walking, biking, bus, commuter rail, carpooling, and vanpooling) need to be manually logged. Similarly, telecommuting activities must also be manually logged. Your parking charges and commute incentives will be recorded in the MoveVU Commute Hub, allowing you to track your monthly charges and incentives.

  • Where can I find the Vehicle Registration feature in the MoveVU Commute Hub?

    The Vehicle Registration feature can be found in the MoveVU Commute Hub by going to the Parking section on the left-hand side bar and selecting Vehicle Registration at the top of the page. Here, you can verify or enter your vehicle information; you may also register additional vehicles.

  • How do I appeal an incorrect parking charge on my Commute Calendar?

    If you believe that a parking charge on your Commute Calendar is incorrect, you have the option to appeal it. Simply visit the vanderbilt.luum.com website, access your Commute Calendar, and locate the specific parking charge under your Pay Period Details section (found underneath the Commute Calendar). Next, click on the envelope/mail button situated to the right of the charge. This action will direct you to an email template where you can provide an explanation for appealing the charge.

    Once you've submitted your appeal, the MoveVU team will review the details and follow up with you to reach a resolution. It's important to address any parking appeals before the end of your pay period.

  • How often should I log my commute trips?

    It's important to log your commute trips daily to ensure accuracy and timeliness. Commute trips should be logged each day, as you will not be able to log trips after your pay period ends. Parking events will automatically be logged in your Commute Calendar when you tap your Vanderbilt ID card at the card reader in the Daily Parking facility.

    If you use alternative modes of transportation such as walking, biking, transit, carpooling, or vanpooling, it's essential to log those trips daily to meet the deadline and maintain accuracy. Additionally, telecommuting activities must be manually logged.

    To help you remember to log your trips, consider opting in to receive commute reminder emails. You can do this by checking the box under Log Commute Reminders in your Commute Settings on the MoveVU Commute Hub. This optional feature will send you reminders to log your commute trips before your pay period closes.

  • How do I log a carpool trip?

    If you carpool with one or more individuals who are also members of the Vanderbilt University community, you can split the parking charge equally among the passengers. Typically, the driver of the vehicle will tap their Vanderbilt ID card at the card reader. To log the carpool trip and split the parking charge, the driver should access their Commute Calendar for that day and click the people icon located to the right of their parking charge in the upper right-hand corner of the page.

    Subsequently, the driver can search for and tag the other passengers in the carpool for that day. Once the driver tags the passengers, their parking charge will be adjusted accordingly. Passengers in the carpool will receive a notification of the carpool tag, and their portion of the parking charge will be displayed. It's important to note that passengers have the option to decline the tag if they choose not to accept it. This mechanism helps prevent abuse of the system by individuals attempting to reduce their own parking charges unfairly.

  • My work address is not accurate in the MoveVU Commute Hub. Why can't I change this information?

    Due to the extensive number of buildings on campus, it's not feasible to list every address in the system. Instead, campus zones are utilized to facilitate carpool and vanpool matching functions within the MoveVU Commute Hub. These campus zone designations (found on this map) help pinpoint commuters' arrival locations, particularly for individuals who may have multiple building locations on Vanderbilt's campus for learning, research, or work.

    For students, campus zones are currently defaulted to Vanderbilt University. However, students will soon have the option to dynamically update their campus zone designation on a daily basis within YES. Any changes made in YES will be reflected in the MoveVU Commute Hub once a day. Students who do not select a specific campus zone will be assigned a default location of Vanderbilt University.

    Please note that campus zones for faculty, staff, and postdocs are automatically assigned based on their work location in Oracle. Individuals seeking to change their work address in Oracle should reach out to their HCM specialist to discuss the possibility of making such changes.

Understanding Sustainable Commute Incentives

  • What is a sustainable commute?

    Sustainable commutes encompass various modes of transportation, including walking, biking, carpooling, vanpooling, taking the bus, and commuting by rail or train. Essentially, any mode of commuting other than driving alone qualifies as a sustainable commute. These alternative modes help reduce your environmental impact by lowering vehicle emissions.

    Commuters enrolled in Daily Parking have the opportunity to earn $1 per weekday for each logged sustainable commute. It's important to note that vehicle ownership is not a requirement for enrolling in Daily Parking or earning sustainable commute incentives.

  • What is a sustainable commute incentive?

    A sustainable commute incentive is a reward offered to individuals enrolled in the Daily Parking program who opt for sustainable transportation modes when commuting to campus. Participants earn a $1.00 daily incentive each time they choose a sustainable commute, with a maximum potential reward of $20 per month based on a typical 20-day work month. Eligible sustainable commutes include walking, biking, transit (bus and commuter rail), carpooling, and vanpooling.

  • How do I record a sustainable commute in order to earn the incentive?

    To earn sustainable commute incentives, you can log sustainable commutes for walking, biking, bus, commuter rail, carpool, and vanpool trips on weekdays. Please note that sustainable commute incentives cannot be earned on holidays and weekends, although it's encouraged to log those trips to maintain an accurate record of your commuting habits.

    When you engage in a sustainable commute to campus, it's essential to log it in your Commute Calendar within the MoveVU Commute Hub. Most sustainable commute trips require manual logging. You can learn more about recording these trips by referring to the guidelines provided here.

  • Are motorcycles and motor scooters included in sustainable commute options?

    If more than one person over the age of 16 is riding the motorcycle to campus, then the trip counts as a carpool trip. Riding a motorcycle by oneself is not an eligible sustainable commute option.

    According to the EPA, current motorcycle engines pollute at a rate 90 times higher per mile than passenger cars or even a large sport utility vehicle. More information on this issue may be found through the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality.

  • Can I earn a sustainable commute incentive on the weekend?

    No. Sustainable commute incentives cannot be earned on holidays and weekends, but you are encouraged to log those trips to gain an accurate depiction of your commuting habits.

  • What can I do if I have an emergency and need to get home quickly when I took a sustainable commute option to campus?

    Participants in the Daily Parking program have access to the 'Guaranteed Ride Home' program, which offers sustainable commuters a free Lyft ride home in case of an emergency or unforeseen circumstance. This program, available through the MoveVU Commute Hub, aims to provide eligible users with a safety net and the confidence to choose sustainable commute options, knowing they have access to a free ride home a certain number of times per year if needed. You can learn more about the program here.

    Additionally, bus and train riders are encouraged to apply for WeGo's Emergency Ride Home program to ensure additional coverage in case of emergencies.

Benefiting from VandyRide

  • What is VandyRide?

    VandyRide, previously known as VandyVans, is Vanderbilt University's nighttime student shuttle service managed by Vanderbilt University Public Safety.

  • What are the new shuttle routes?

    VandyRide now offers two routes: the Gold Route, providing express service from the Peabody campus to the main campus, and the Black Route, which circulates campus in a clockwise direction.

  • Where are the shuttle stops located?

    The Gold Route includes stops at Hank Ingram, Village at Vanderbilt, Blair, Highland Quad, and Sarratt/Rand. The Black Route stops at Hank Ingram, Village at Vanderbilt, Blair, Highland Quad, Blakemore House, 25th Avenue Garage, Sarratt/Rand, E. Bronson Ingram, and Central Library. Shuttle routes and stops can be found here.

  • Why were the shuttle stops consolidated?

    Shuttle stops with minimal boarding and alighting activity were consolidated to enhance service efficiency and improve wait times. Monitoring of current shuttle stops will continue, with adjustments made as necessary.

  • Are there any amenities at the shuttle stops?

    All VandyRide shuttle stops are clearly marked with signage. The university plans to install shuttle shelter stops at select locations to enhance the user experience, resembling the design of the shelter in place between Hank Ingram House and Murray House.

  • I heard that there is an app I can download that shows the shuttle routes and real-time arrival information. What is the app and where can I download it?

    To access VandyRide information, students should download the VandySafe app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

  • What are the hours of operation for the shuttle service?

    VandyRide operates a limited service from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. 7 days a week.

  • Can I use VandyRide as a member of faculty or staff?

    While primarily designed for student use, VandyRide is available to all members of the campus community seeking safe nighttime transportation across campus.

  • Why was the name changed from VandyVans to VandyRide?

    Originally called VandyVans when vans were the primary mode of transportation, the name change to VandyRide better reflects the current use of shuttles for the service, providing a more accurate description.

Understanding Ridehail Pick-Up and Drop-Off Areas

  • What is ridehail?

    Ridehailing services utilize online-enabled platforms to connect passengers with local drivers who use their personal vehicles. Examples of ridehailing services include Uber and Lyft.

  • I heard that the university created designated ridehail pick-up and drop-off areas on campus. Where are they located?

    There are now eight designated ridehail pick-up and drop-off areas on campus. The locations include E. Bronson Ingram Circle, Sarratt Student Center/Rand Hall, Kensington Place outside of the Kensington Garage, the Engineering and Science Building, lot 24 near the Lewis House, Blakemore House, Crawford House, and Hank Ingram House. These locations are marked with signage and can be selected within the Uber and Lyft mobile apps.

  • Why did the university create designated ridehail pick-up and drop-off areas on campus?

    The university established dedicated ridehail pick-up and drop-off locations on campus in response to student requests to enhance safety measures during the ridehail process. Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPD) conducted research on best practices from peer institutions and participated in educational webinars, such as the #WhatsMyName campaign, to improve ridehail safety and awareness.

  • How were the ridehail pick-up and drop-off locations chosen?

    The pilot locations were selected across campus based on existing ridehail activity and situated in well-lit areas that can be easily monitored by cameras and Vanderbilt University Public Safety patrols. These locations were designated as safe areas for students and others to utilize ridehail services.

  • How do I find a pick-up and drop-off location in the ridehail apps?

    The location pins have been added as a dropdown menu in both the Uber and Lyft apps. Additionally, users can input an address or pin location directly within each app.

  • Will more areas on campus be designated for ridehail in the future?

    The initial phase of pick-up and drop-off locations will be monitored, and adjustments or new locations will be considered based on data and feedback from the community.

  • Does Vanderbilt provide any tips or guidelines on how to stay safe while using ridehail services?

    Vanderbilt University Public Safety recommends that riders adhere to safety guidelines when using ridehail services.

  • Where can I learn more about Ridehail?

    You can learn more about ridehail safety and other useful information here.

The Vanderbilt Walk and Roll Loop

  • What is the Walk and Roll Loop?

    The Walk and Roll Loop, proposed as part of the FutureVU planning process following a recommendation from the Vanderbilt Student Government in 2017, is envisioned as a wide and comfortable loop encircling campus. Its purpose is to promote active transportation and recreation while better connecting the Vanderbilt campus with the surrounding city.

  • Why is Vanderbilt creating the Walk and Roll Loop?

    Vanderbilt is developing the Walk and Roll Loop to enhance mobility experiences for both the university and the surrounding community. It aims to establish the campus perimeter as a prominent gateway and promote a multimodal culture, encouraging walking, biking, rolling, and experiencing the campus at a human scale.

  • I have heard about the FutureVU greenway. Is the Walk and Roll Loop a part of the greenway?

    Originally conceived as part of the FutureVU land use process, the Greenway network includes primary and secondary paths along with the Walk and Roll Loop. While the greenway was initially planned as a north/south, east/west network, it has expanded to encompass various paths, forming a comprehensive mobility system.

  • How long will it take to complete construction of the Walk and Roll Loop?

    The initial phase of the Walk and Roll Loop, beginning in front of E. Bronson Ingram College and Warren & Moore Colleges and ending near the 21st Avenue and Terrace Place crosswalk, is expected to be completed this spring. This phase involves widening sidewalks, planting additional trees, and installing seating, lighting, and signage. The overall construction of the loop will be a multi-year project, with a planning study underway to determine the timeline for future installments.

  • Where can I learn more?

    For further information about the Walk and Roll Loop and the Greenway network outlined in FutureVU, including updates on design, construction progress, and upcoming milestones, visit The Greenway Network page.