College students are packing up and heading to campuses all across North America. Once parents, relatives and friends have waved their goodbyes at the entrance gates, many students discover a new challenge, getting around without a car. The good news is First Transit is behind many of the top universities’ transportation programs and offers key insights for first-time shuttle riders.

First Transit has assisted many of its college and university partners with technology solutions, such as automated vehicle locator (AVL) software and on-board USB charging stations, to make buses more convenient and accessible for students in motion.

“Rutgers University and the University of Tennessee, for example, have apps for their university services through which students can access their bus routes," said Scott Conroy, director, operations. "The AVL technology, which First Transit helped implement, allows students to pinpoint the location of their shuttle and expected arrival time.

“Many of the colleges and universities we serve are progressive about minimizing their environmental footprint, and most have very limited space on campus for vehicles," Conroy added. "Campus transit is the one of the best ways to create a pedestrian-friendly core and reduce the carbon footprint.”

First Transit is the largest provider of university transportation services, operating in 26 colleges and universities throughout North America.

Students utilizing campus shuttle services for the first time are encouraged to visit their institution’s web site for more information — and to browse iTunes and the Google Play Store for the institution’s app.

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