Parking and Transit Services Seeks to Meet Changing Needs

Thursday, September 11, 2014, By Keith Kobland

The Syracuse University campus casts a wide footprint. One can take many footsteps to get to class or work. That’s why transportation is provided to every corner of campus. But just as the daily bus runs continue to move forward, so does the planning.

According to Allan Breese, director of Business and Facilities Maintenance Services, “We work with the various transportation providers to constantly meet the changing needs of the people who use our service. But when it comes right down to it, most of our decisions are driven by the comments we receive from our main customers, the students.”

So, what are those needs? For one, a simplified system with more convenient options. It’s all part of recent adjustments that were made based on student input.

“We now have more options for students,” says Scot Vanderpool, a manager at Parking and Transit Services, “it means they can continue from their residence halls on South Campus to places like Whitman School of Management, the Warehouse, Syracuse Stage and the COE without transferring to another bus. Consequently, students coming from the Warehouse, Syracuse Stage and along the Connective Corridor can stay on each bus as it continues to Manley, South Campus or Skytop.”

It also means, in most cases, not having to wait too long for the next bus.

Transit service now consistently runs every eight minutes to and from South Campus,” says Vanderpool. “We have buses that operate at 32-minute intervals from South Campus to Waverly Avenue, as well as every 32 minutes along the Connective Corridor.” Additionally, Vanderpool says that more service has been added to the more populated South Campus areas. Buses also now operate to Waverly Avenue, which is a new feature. And soon, getting real-time campus transit information will be as close as a person’s smartphone. A soon-to-be-released app will display bus information, including where a particular bus is located along its given route, and when it will arrive. This will further reduce waiting times, which will be particularly useful during inclement weather.

While the goal is an efficient system that suits student needs, the planning doesn’t stop. Nor does the need for input from riders, including both students and staff.

According to Breese, “Further adjustments will be considered, but we need to know from those who actually ride the bus what those adjustments should be.” To that end, passengers will soon see placards in buses and other locations around campus, urging them to provide input to make sure their needs are being met. If you have a question or comment about the transportation system, feel free to email SUTransit@Syr.edu.