U. of Minn. extends contract with First Transit for shuttle ops

The University of Minnesota renewed its contract with First Transit to operate and provide maintenance for the entire university shuttle operation.

First Transit will provide maintenance, operations, and staffing for 27 buses, carrying more than four million passengers annually for both campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The company will also continue to bring the latest technology, building upon the operations management system, smart bus stops, and the university’s GopherTrip bus tracking app already introduced to the system by First Transit and its technology partner, Bishop Peak Technologies.

“We are proud to serve the entire University of Minnesota community,” said Theo Asuncion, GM at First Transit. “My team encourages all our riders to download the GopherTrip app for real-time location of the buses and arrival notifications.”

First Transit’s maintenance shop for the University of Minnesota is Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Blue Seal certified. To receive ASE's Blue Seal of Excellence, 75% of the service technicians at a location must be certified by ASE. In addition, there must be a certified technician in each area of service offered.

All University of Minnesota shuttles are equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks, and connect to Metro Transit, the public transportation system in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

The University of Minnesota has been a partner with First Transit for more than 30 years.