How to Navigate Georgia Tech’s Transportation System

By: Michael Zhang and Laksh Makhija

Introduction

Navigating Georgia Tech’s complex transportation network, from daytime buses to evening Stingerettes, can be a major source of confusion for new and returning students alike. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of routes, real-time tracking, and safety protocols to help you master campus travel with confidence.

Table of Contents

1) Transportation on Weekdays

2) Transportation on Weekends

3) Effectively Using the Stinger Shuttle

4) Introducing Stringerette

5) Using the Stingerette Safely

6) GT Transportation Apps

7) GTPD

8) GT Transportation Tips

1. Transportation on Weekdays

Here’s a breakdown of the main shuttle routes, their primary destinations, and tips on when to use them.

1.1 Red Route:

Bidirectional service connecting the North Avenue Apartments to West Village via northern portion of campus

• Service Hours: 7:00am – 3:15am
• Bus Schedule
  • Bus 1: 7:00am – 6:30pm
  • Bus 2: 8:00am – 9:00pm
  • Bus 3: 7:15am – 5:00pm
  • Bus 4: 9:00am – 3:15am

1.2 Blue Route:

Bidirectional service connecting the North Avenue Apartments to West Village via the southern portion of campus

• Service Hours: 7:00am – 3:15am
• Bus Schedule
  • Bus 1: 7:00am – 6:30pm
  • Bus 2: 8:00am – 9:00pm
  • Bus 3: 7:15am – 5:00pm
  • Bus 4: 9:00am – 3:15am

1.3 Gold Route:

Start and end at the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons turnaround and will service the area between Midtown and the central campus.

• Service Hours: 5:15am – 9:00pm
• Bus Schedule
  • Bus 1: 5:15am – 9:00pm
  • Bus 2: 6:00am – 9:00pm
  • Bus 3: 7:00am – 7:00pm
  • Bus 4: 9:00am – 6:00am

1.4 Green Route:

Loop includes stops at the Student Competition Center, 14th at State Street, and the GTRI Conference Center with the Kendeda Building being the only stop on campus.

• Service Hours: 6:45am – 10:15pm
• Bus Schedule
  • Bus 1: 6:45am – 10:15pm
  • Bus 2: 8:15am – 7:00pm
• Weekend Schedule
  • Bus unavailable

1.5 Clough Route:

Bidirectional service that connects Tech Square/Midtown and Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons

• Service Hours: 7:30am – 9:00pm
• Bus Schedule
  • Bus 1: 7:45am – 9:00pm
  • Bus 2: 7:30am – 6:00pm
  • Bus 3: 10:00am – 9:00pm
• Weekend Schedule
  • Bus unavailable

1.6 Northside – Atlantic Station Route:

The only route that takes us to Atlantic Station. The only stop on campus is Exhibition hall

• Service Hours: 7:15am – 8:30pm
• Bus Schedule
  • Bus 1: 7:15am – 8:30pm

1.7 Emory Route:

Bidirectional route connecting Emory and Georgia Tech

• Service Hours: 7:15am – 7:15pm
• Bus Schedule
  • Bus 1: 7:15am – 7:15pm
• Weekend Schedule
  • Bus unavailable

1.8 NARA/Science Square Route:

Bidirectional route connecting Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons with North Avenue Research Area (NARA) and Science Square

• Service Hours: 7:30am – 7:30pm
• Bus Schedule
  • Bus 1: 7:30am – 7:30pm
• Weekend Schedule
  • Bus unavailable

1.9 Ponce de Leon (PCM) Shuttle:

Note: I do not know who made this short form for Ponce de Leon. Also, there is no information about the runtimes of this bus other than the days.

• Bus Schedule
  • Monday – Friday

2. Transport on Weekends

Most of the buses above are unavailable on the weekends or have different operating hours. Here is a comprehensive list of what is avaialble on the weekends

2.1 Weekend Red Route:

Same as weekday route. Bidirectional service connecting the North Avenue Apartments to West Village via northern portion of campus

• Service Hours: 7:00pm – 3:15am
• Bus Schedule
  • Bus 1: 7:00pm – 3:15am

2.2 Weekend Blue Route:

Same as weekday route. Bidirectional service connecting the North Avenue Apartments to West Village via the southern portion of campus

• Service Hours: 7:00pm – 3:15am
• Bus Schedule
  • Bus 1: 7:00pm – 3:15am

2.3 Weekend Gold Route:

Bidirectional bus that visits West Midtown, Kendeda, Exhibition hall and CULC

• Service Hours: 7:00pm – 3:15am
• Bus Schedule
  • Bus 1: 7:00pm – 3:15am

2.4 Weekend Midtown Route:

• Service Hours: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
• Bus Schedule
  • Bus 1: 12:00pm – 5:00pm

2.5 Atlantic Route:

Bidirectional route that takes students from West Campus to Atlantic Station

• Service Hours: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
• Bus Schedule
  • Bus 1: 12:00pm – 5:00pm

3. Effectively using the Stinger Shuttle

3.1: Getting Around From Housing

Note: Since every bus is bidirectional, you should can assume that getting to and from a certain place requires the same bus. However, it is important to be careful about which direction of the road you are standing on when the shuttle comes.

• Recommended buses per starting point and destination
• Current Location: East/West or South Campus & Destination: CULC/Library, CRC, East/West Campus
  • Blue Bus
• Current Location: East/West or North Campus & Destination: Greek Sector, Klaus, Kendeda, East/West Campus
  • Red Bus
• Current Location: West Midtown/Midtown & Destination: CRC, Kendeda, Klaus
  • Gold Bus
  • Note: This can also take you to Library but its better to take the Clough Route Instead
• Current Location: West Midtown/Midtown & Destination: CULC
  • Clough Route
• Current Location: Housing near GTRI Conference Center & Destination: Campus
  • Green Route

3.2: Going outside campus

Note: Some places mentioned in these lists are a maximum of a 15 minute walk from the bus stop

3.2.1: Weekday Shenanigans

• Destination: Science Square or North Avenue Research Area
  • NARA/Science Square Bus
• Destination: Atlantic Station, Target, IKEA
  • Northside – Atlantic Station Bus
• Destination: Emory
  • Emory Bus
• Destination: Ponce de Leon Shopping Center
  • PCM Shuttle
• Destination: Puttshack
  • Green Bus

3.2.2: Weekend Shenanigans

• Destination: IKEA, Atlantic Station, Target
  • Atlantic Shuttle

4. Introducing Stingerette

The Stingerette is a nighttime on-demand transport service at Georgia Tech, run by the Georgia Tech Police Department. It is a useful tool for students to move safely within the campus and a little bit off the campus after dark when Stinger shuttles are no longer in operation.

The Stingerette, in contrast to the Stinger shuttle, is a non-residential route vehicle. You may use the Georgia Tech Stingerette app or the GT SafeRide website to arrange your ride. The driver will meet you and drop you off at any on-campus or near-campus location that has been verified for Stingerette use.

Operating Hours

Monday – Sunday: 8:00 P.M. – 3:15 A.M.

Waiting time at the stop could be long if there is a lot of demand for the service, for example, during a rain storm or a large campus event.

Stingerette Feature on Translock App

5. Using the Stingerette Safely

The main function of the Stingerette is to ensure the safety of students when they are walking across or near campus at night. A few things to keep in mind when using it are:

1. Confirm your ride

When the Stingerette comes to pick you up, make sure that it is a vehicle with clear Georgia Tech Police Department markings and the Stingerette logo. In no case, should you get into an unmarked car.

2. Be prepared for the pick-up

It is understandable that the driver will not be able to wait for you more than a couple of minutes, so be punctual at the pick-up place and have your GT ID ready to show.

3. Show good manners

The Stingerette is a communal transport system and hence, a car may have a few passengers. Try to keep noise down, do not consume food or drinks, and be courteous to your driver and fellow passengers.

4. Work with it

The least amount of risk that can occur with the service is that a person may be driven home at night after having had a couple of drinks. It is not, however, meant for short everyday trips or any other types of rides.

In case you feel unsafe or notice something unusual, please do not hesitate to get in touch with GTPD Dispatch at 404-894-2500.

6. GT Transportation Apps

Using the Translock App:

1. Download the Transloc app from your phone’s app store.
2. Tap the “Routes” tab at the bottom.
3. You should now be able to see a list of all available bus lines near you.
4. Select the specific route you want to take (e.g., “Red Route”). The map will now only show the buses running on that route, making it easier to track.
5. Zoom in on the map to find the bus stop nearest to you.
6. Tap on your desired stop. The app will display an estimated arrival time (which is usually wrong) for the next bus on each relevant route.
7. Optionally, you can set alerts to notify you when a bus is a certain number of minutes away from your stop.

TransLoc App Free to Download

7. GTPD

The Georgia Tech Police Department takes charge of security and safety on the campus. Besides being in charge of safety, GTPD conducts Stingerette operations.

Key Services

• Round-the-clock campus patrols in areas mostly frequented by students
• Emergency response through 404-894-2500 or 911
• Safety programs like self-defense classes and safety escorts

GTPD collaborates with GT Parking and Transportation to guarantee that students have a safe and dependable means of moving around the campus during the night. No matter which one you are dealing with – a Stingerette driver or a GTPD officer – always keep in your mind to be polite and respectful. They are there to maintain the safety of the community and ensure that everyone reaches their destination safely.

8. GT Transportation Tips

These tips will transport you around Georgia Tech in a straightforward manner and will add an extra layer of safety.

Plan ahead

It is always a good idea to check the route before departure. Some buses may operate under different hours on weekends.

Be patient

There may be times when buses will take longer than usual to arrive or depart during peak hours such as evenings near Tech Square or Midtown.

Stay visible

If it is nighttime, wait in a place that is well-lit and if the driver cannot see you directly, use another method to indicate to him where you are.

Know your backups

Should you miss the last bus, take the Stingerette or walk with friends.

Check for updates

If you want real-time route details, maps, and changes in services, go to the official Georgia Tech Parking and Transportation website at https://pts.gatech.edu.