Getting Around Town
Because you are commuting between multiple campuses, it is important to understand your transportation options. While the Gamecock Gateway program does provide its own shuttle service, students can also utilize their personal vehicles and the COMET bus system to get around town. USC also offers an on campus shuttle service that makes getting around campus easy.
Remember, buses and shuttles are subject to delays from traffic, weather and a variety of unforeseen circumstances. Be sure you allow yourself sufficient transit time each day. Be sure to weigh your transportation options and carefully plan your route to and from campus each day.
Gamecock Gateway Shuttle
The Gamecock Gateway shuttle serves only Gamecock Gateway students and runs according to the MTC class schedule. Please show your CarolinaCard when boarding the shuttle. The shuttle stop at the USC campus is on Bull Street right outside of Bates House. The closest address for this is 331 Bull Street. The stop is marked by a Parking & Transportation Services sign as well.
Spring 2024 Shuttle Schedule
Mondays-Thursdays
- USC to MTC Beltline and Airport: 7:15am, 8:45am, 10:00am, 12:00pm, 1:45pm, 3:30pm
- MTC Beltline and Airport to USC: 9:45am, 12:45pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm
Fridays
- USC to MTC Airport: 8:45am
- MTC Airport to USC: 1:00pm
- USC to MTC Beltline: 7:15am & 10:30am
- MTC Beltline to USC: 11:15am & 2:15pm
If the shuttle is late or does not show up, immediately call 803-777-1080
The Gamecock Gateway shuttle will not run on days that MTC classes are not held. Check the Gamecock Gateway Academic Calendar for more information. Shuttle schedules will also be adjusted during final exam periods each semester. That schedule will be sent to all students one week before final exams.
Catch the COMET
In addition to the USC shuttle, Columbia's city bus, the COMET, runs from the USC Horseshoe to the MTC Beltline and Airport campuses and back. The COMET is free for all Midlands Technical College students who present their school ID when boarding. MTC's Office of Student Life has all the information you need to request a student ID.
Download the COMET App
Track your bus in real time, and access other conveniences by downloading the COMET app on your phone.
Route 91 runs to and from the Midlands Technical College Airport campus. From downtown Columbia, the bus runs on Blossom Street, and then across the river to Airport Boulevard and Platt Springs.
Route 21 will take you to and from the MTC Beltline campus. It runs from downtown Columbia, through Five Points and along Rosewood Drive.
Parking at USC and MTC
All Gateway students will have two parking decals on their vehicle. You are required to purchase a parking permit to park your car on campus at USC. You must also register your vehicle and obtain an MTC decal to park in designated student spots on both MTC campuses.
USC Parking Permit
Gamecock Gateway students are eligible to purchase a student permit, either an S permit which enables you to park in the surface lots across campus or a garage permit for specific garages across campus. Due to construction, parking on South Campus is limited. Parking and Transportation suggests that students consider lots on Flora St. (S30) and on Evans St. (S32 and S33) or garage parking at Athletic Village for students living on South Campus. To purchase a parking permit, please visit Parking Services in the Pendleton Street Garage before or during move-in day.
USC Parking and Transportation Services: 803-777-5160
Student parking permit information »
MTC Vehicle Registration
Student vehicle registration and parking passes are also required at MTC campuses, you do not need to pick this up until the first week of classes. You must register your vehicle with MTC and have an MTC parking decal displayed on the back window. Please park in the designated student spots to avoid tickets or towing.
Register for your MTC parking permit here
USC Campus Shuttle
The University of South Carolina offers shuttles to help students get around campus quickly and conveniently. Currently, there is a shuttle stop on Whaley Street near Bates House and Campus Village that services two daytime routes and two evening routes.
For more information check out Parking and Transportation Services