Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

The Oxford-University Transit Commission is looking into extending service from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. on all routes, in response to a survey of University of Mississippi students.

Of the 81,000-plus boardings on Oxford-University Transit, 78,805 of the riders represented Ole Miss staff, faculty and students.

Ridership reached 81,964 passenger boardings — mostly represented by staff, faculty and students — which is a significant jump from the previous record of 55,428. The system plans to acquire three more used buses.

A Saturday bus route was added to accommodate transit-dependent riders who have trouble traveling around town on the weekend when other bus lines do not run.

A significant jump in both student enrollment and city riders has caused many Oxford University Transit buses to be late and overcrowded. While this often happens at the beginning of a new school year, officials say, there are limited solutions this year due to budget constraints.

Record enrollment of freshmen, most of whom are required to live on campus, will push other students off-campus, forcing them to commute. University officials are looking for ways to encourage students not to bring their cars to campus and to take the bus instead.

All Oxford University Transit buses are now equipped, enabling riders to text or look online to find out the exact time their bus will arrive. Applications for smartphones also are being developed.