The Birmingham Xpress (BX), a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, is currently under construction and will enable pedestrians to travel quickly and easily across the city. BRT can travel as fast as light rail, but at approximately one-third of the construction costs. The buses will have dedicated lanes through portions of downtown, which will eliminate on-street parking along 5th Avenue South between 8th and 18th streets on the northeast end of campus.
Because of the reduced on-street parking options, it’s important employees, visitors, and students are aware of the options available to them. The UAB Transportation team is focused on providing resources to ensure everyone can get to, from and around campus as easy as possible. You will rarely be able to park directly next to your destination, but you have many options to complete your trip.
Parking permits
UAB employees can apply for parking permits through the UAB Transportation website. The cost for employee parking ranges from $14.00-58.34 per month. Parking for employees is assigned based on work location and job classification. A waiting list is kept on any facility that has demand greater than capacity.
Visitor parking is available throughout the university campus and medical district. Off-street parking is available in designated facilities by contacting the UAB Transportation office. We have a webpage with a list of all visitor parking for UAB Hospital and centers.
Blazer Express
The Blazer Express Transit System provides transportation across the UAB campus and medical district. Students, employees, and authorized visitors can enjoy fare-free bus transportation along six designated routes. A valid UAB ID badge or visitor pass is required when boarding.
Download the DoubleMap app from the App Store or Google Play to see the bus routes in real time. The app helps you plan your trip and estimate when the next bus will arrive.
Max Transit
The Max Transit system operates in the Birmingham Metro to provide safe, reliable, and excellent transit and other mobility services that contribute to the region’s economy, vitality, and sustainability. The system averages approximately 3 million riders each year. Learn more about Max Transit on its website.
Carpooling
Carpools reduce traffic congestion, which reduces ground-level ozone ratings. Better ratings mean more industry and business for our city, as well as federal funds to complete road construction projects. UAB partners with CommuteSmart, a local organization, which works to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion by encouraging alternative modes of transportation.
As part of the program, participants will be paid for commuting using more sustainable methods. Additionally, UAB provides reserved parking spaces on campus for those who participate in the program.
Micromobility
The City of Birmingham launched a micromobility program in spring 2021. Under the program, motorized scooters and pedal-assisted bicycles are available to rent using downloadable apps. A full list of city rules can be found on the city’s website. These scooters and bicycles are a great way to complete your trip to campus.
On UAB’s campus, micromobility users must follow guidelines to ensure we can keep this valuable resource as an option. Learn more about these guidelines on our website.
About the Birmingham Xpress BRT Project
The Birmingham Xpress BRT Project will connect 25 neighborhoods to opportunities and vital services along its corridor. In addition, enable citizens to reach employment, educational, and healthcare centers. It will also provide access for visitors to explore Birmingham’s historic and cultural locations. BX will implement innovative system designs and technologies to improve travel time, lower costs, and enhance service appeal. These objectives are accomplished by:
- Dedicated Busway & Alignment
- Intersection Treatments (Signal Priority)
- Vehicle Design
- Platform-Level-Boarding Stations
- Off-board Ticketing/Fare Collection
- Enhanced Transit Service
- Rider Appeal (Branding)
- Land Use Coordination (TOD)