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Growing University? Add a College Shuttle Bus Service to Bridge the Gap
Your university may have started small, but a recent expansion may have caused your campus to become much larger than expected. Maybe you have a very large campus with roads stretching far from another. Or perhaps you have multiple facilities within the same city and have a need to transport students and teachers from one campus to the next. It could also be that your freshmen aren’t allowed cars, but they still want to experience the city nearby or run essential errands. This is where the use for a college shuttle bus or van comes into play.
If your college hasn’t had the need to purchase a shuttle, or hasn’t updated in a while, it can be difficult to know what to shop for. Options today are much more efficient and roomier than buses were years ago, especially those looking to add an alternative fuel. Let’s explore a few of the choices you’ll have and what to expect when looking to buy a bus.
Where Do I Need To Go?
Contemplate where you will need to send your bus and consider the daily routes your driver will need to maneuver. Do you live in a rural town with less than desirable road conditions? If so look into purchasing a van, as it may be easier to drive on different roads. The functionality also is great for those who need to buy a wheelchair accessible van.
For close quarters city driving, it may be worth it to invest in a smaller, more agile mini bus. The compact and safe design is better suited to navigate traffic and sharper turns. Overall, the safety is much greater than if you were to purchase a 15-passenger van. Best of all, a mini bus can hold 7-14 passengers and your driver may not need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
For the more suburban areas in a college setting, seating for around 20 to 40 passengers would be ideal. The size of the bus isn’t too large as to take up too much parking and an ample amount of staff and students can ride comfortable.
Don’t Make This A Scavenger Bus Hunt
When purchasing a van or bus, equip the bus with GPS tracker so students will know if their bus will arrive on time or if they should find alternative transportation. The University of Pittsburgh and University of New Haven both offer tracking for their vans and buses both online, via SMS text messaging, and in an smartphone app giving students the ability to plan their routes. You’ll also want to make the schedule clear, available, and print ready online. The University of Pittsburgh also has a regularly updated Twitter account with relevant information and contests to make sure no one is in the dark about the bus schedule.
Do I Really Need To Keep It Clean?
For any college, it is worth it to consider the environmental impact and aspects of a bus or van purchase. Many students have become increasingly aware of environmental factors and want to make sure their university or college of choice is well equipped to meet those requirements. If you’re in the market, remember that just about any new bus or van can be equipped with compressed natural gas or propane. Also consider the cost saving benefits, for CNG and propane, when thinking about converting your vehicle.
When updating or purchasing shuttle buses or vans for your college be sure to keep the students in mind every step of the way. Without their approval, the system will essentially be infective. Consult a trusted student base if you become stuck, and they’ll be sure to help you begin your search for the best college shuttle routes and options.
