Student Parking and Transit Changes for Fall 2026

Parking on campus will look different this fall. Construction tied to the state-funded $115.3 million expansion of the College of Health and Behavioral Studies (CHBS) begins this semester, and several parking areas are changing as a result. Here is everything you need to know before you purchase a permit for the 2026-27 academic year.

Student Parking Changes for Fall 2026

The Cantrell Avenue Parking Deck closes permanently after Friday, August 14, to make way for the CHBS expansion. As part of this transition, the Grace Street Parking Deck will be reserved for faculty and staff use from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, Aug. 17

Good news! Student parking is expanding in several locations to maintain capacity:

Mason Street Parking Deck

• Level 5, consisting of 243 spaces, is now designated for commuter student use. Signs on level 5 mark where commuter parking begins. 
• Levels 3 and 4 remain reserved for faculty and staff from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Convo Lot A

• 185 spaces that were closed in spring 2026 have reopened for both resident and commuter use.

Coming Soon

• More than 100 new student parking spaces are under construction near the Quad.
• Check out future Dukes News communications and the Parking and Transit Services website for updates.

Reminder of Fare-Free Bus Services

JMU partners with the City of Harrisonburg Department of Public Transportation (HDPT) to offer fare-free bus service from off-campus apartment complexes to campus. Riding the bus is a convenient, sustainable and cost-effective way to get to class without worrying about traffic or parking. Routes, schedules and real-time tracking are on the Dukes Ride webpage.

Riding the bus most of the time doesn't rule out driving when you need to. Daily $5 parking permits are available on an as-needed basis through the same web portal where annual permits are purchased.

The Passio Go bus app has been replaced this fall with myStop, an app available for Android and iPhone that will allow access to Harrisonburg Department of Public Transportation’s HB Connect bus routes, bus stops, and trip-planning tools all in one place. You can also track your bus in real time and see exactly when it will arrive at your stop.

Other Announcements

Port Republic Road city projects: The City of Harrisonburg has begun construction at the Bluestone Drive and Bradley Street intersections of Port Republic Road to expand turning lanes and add a median. Allow extra time to commute and consider the HDPT bus instead of driving.

Parking and Transit Services is now cashless: Pay-by-plate parking no longer accepts cash. Pay with a credit or debit card or the ParkMobile app. Office transactions may be paid by credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Android Pay.

Champions Drive Parking Deck renamed: The deck adjacent to Bridgeforth Stadium is now the Charlie Obaugh Auto Group Parking Deck. Regulations in the deck are not affected.

Permit Purchase and Registration

Purchase your 2026-27 virtual parking permit through the Parking and Transit Services web portal. 

Step-by-step instructions for vehicle registration.

When registering, check carefully that your license plate and vehicle information are entered accurately. Because permits are virtual, no physical credential is required once your vehicle is registered. Your license plate is your permit!

There is no deadline to purchase a permit, and the number of permits sold is not limited, so finalize your class schedule before purchasing if possible. Permits are required to park on campus starting the first day of classes.

Park only in lots covered by your permit. Full parking regulations and a campus map showing student lots are on the Parking and Transit Services website. 

All vehicles must be parked with the license plate visible from the travel lane for License Plate Recognition scanning. If your vehicle has no front plate and you prefer to back in, a display plate for your front bumper is available at the Parking and Transit Services office for a one-time fee of $10.

2026-27 Permit Fees

Carpool, evening and remote lot permits are available at reduced rates. See the parking regulations for a complete list of student permit types and fees.

Text Notifications

Opt in to receive a text if your vehicle receives a citation or your semester permit is expiring. Sign up at Parking and Transit Services web portal. 

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

• Charging stations are available at eight locations: the Ballard, Charlie Obaugh Auto Group, Chesapeake Avenue, Grace Street, Mason Street and Warsaw Avenue parking decks, the R1 Lot behind Potomac Hall, and the Burruss Service Area behind Burruss Hall.

• Charging is $1 per hour for a maximum of four hours, paid through the ParkMobile app. Vehicles at charging stations must also have a current JMU parking permit.