Parking and Transportation
New Parking Updates: Permit Strategy and Expanded Capacity
Parking and Transportation has been hard at work to prepare for an amazing start to the 2026-27 academic year. Here are some exciting changes to be on the lookout for this fall. In response to feedback from Fall 2025, we have updated our parking permit strategy to improve access and availability. Key changes include:
- Additional parking spaces on both campuses
- Limiting the number of permits sold in the core of campus, while increasing permit availability in Economy and Shuttle Lots
- Increased service to Economy and Shuttle Lots
- Addition of campus circulator route in Marietta to provide more transit options
- Reduction of stops on the Kennesaw/Marietta Route to promote quicker ride times
- The addition of Residential Economy and Shuttle Lot Permits on the Kennesaw Campus
Introducing a New Fleet
A new Big Owl Bus fleet is rolling onto campus in Fall 2026. In addition to refreshed designs coming this fall, the expanded fleet features a bold new look and new hybrid vehicles designed to support greener transportation across campus. With more buses on the road and updated shuttle routes, riders can expect shorter wait times, increased service capacity, and a smoother commute throughout the day.
Graphics will be added to the new fleet as quickly as possible. In the meantime, keep an eye out for buses with a sleek, all-black finish traveling around campus.
Visitor Parking is Now Hourly Paid Parking
Beginning Fall 2026, Visitor Parking will be renamed Hourly Paid Parking. These spaces are available to anyone — not just campus visitors.
If you choose not to purchase a parking permit, you may park in these areas by paying for the time you are parked. Spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis. A valid fall permit is still required in all other parking areas.
Visitor Resources
Partnership with Cobb County
KSU and Cobb County have established a framework agreement to address traffic operations and pedestrian safety along Frey Road. The project will include traffic studies, concept development, and construction planning for improvements between Chastain Road and Skip Spann Connector. Collaborative planning efforts aim to enhance safety and mobility in a high-traffic, campus-adjacent corridor.
Micromobility Safety
As the use of electric scooters and other micromobility devices continues to grow, we are taking steps to enhance safety for all campus users. Permanent micromobility signage will be installed across both campuses to reinforce the following guidelines:
- Walk micromobility devices across all crosswalks
- Yield to pedestrians when riding on sidewalks
- Maintain a slow speed in high-traffic areas; walking devices is strongly encouraged in spaces with high traffic
NEW: Micromobility charging stations are now available outside the Carmichael Student Center in Kennesaw and near Stingers in Marietta. For safety reasons, micromobility devices are not allowed inside KSU buildings.
Micromobility Rules and Regulations
License Plates and Vehicle Registration
KSU utilizes License Plate Recognition (LPR) to monitor parking on campus with your vehicle’s license plate serving as your virtual parking permit.
Permit holders are required to park with the license plate visible from the drive lane. If you prefer to back-in or pull through spaces, front permit plates are available for purchase at the Talon One office.
KSU also uses Retrieval of Vehicle Registration (RoVR) technology to identify registered owners of vehicles that either have not purchased a permit or have not registered their vehicle in the Parking Portal.
Students are responsible for registering their vehicle and keeping the license plate information for any vehicle driven to campus up to date in the Parking Portal.
Check back for more updates from Parking and Transportation as the year continues!