Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Will implement its bus stop improvement plan and begin construction work to expand its headquarters.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is trying to increase ridership and create a strict, on-time schedule for its shuttles. It paid $15,960 for the app as well as the system of wireless transmitters installed in the buses.

Plans to implement small permit fee increases over a six-year span to ensure future funding of its transportation services. The Transportation Services program has had to tap into its reserves to continue funding its services.

Unveiled the Rambler Route, a pilot van service to provide students with transportation to a number of popular drop-off locations determined by student phone calls received by the university’s 8-Ride transportation service.

A campus shuttle ran over a student who was crossing the street against a “Don’t Walk” sign. The bus driver claimed to not to have seen the student. A campus spokesperson said that the university should focus on adding crosswalks and signage along streets with heavy foot traffic.

Will remove 71 bus stops, including three close to Ohio State University. The move is part of the agency’s Bus Stop Service Improvement Project. The project evaluated COTA bus stops and the spacing between them to improve efficiency.

Due to budgetary concerns and to make the program sustainable, the employee bus pass will no longer be free starting next academic year. The pass will cost $24 annually.

Service could be significantly cut or rates could increase, depending on the new contract. The university’s current contract with Silverado Stages Inc. will expire in a few months.

Comes on the heels of a February murder-suicide that left two students dead and another injured, plus a string of robberies earlier in the semester.

The university’s efforts were recently recognized by the national advocacy organization League of American Bicyclists with a silver-level Bicycle Friendly University designation.