Princeton University in New Jersey last week launched an extensively modified campus bus system that covers more routes, offers extended hours and features more sheltered bus stops. The system also features a new contractor, First Transit, which signed a five-year contract with the university.

Although some complaints have been lodged about bus drivers still needing to become familiar with the routes, Kim Jackson, director of Parking and Transportation Services, said the launch has been “very well received by the university community.”

Many of the changes in the bus program are geared to meet the needs of graduate students. The new TigerTransit system replaces three lines with five routes that include coverage of an off-campus graduate housing facility that had petitioned for shuttle bus service.

Jackson said the university now operates 13 buses and one 14-passenger van during the day and three 14-passenger vans during late-night service.

Although currently operating diesel buses, the shuttle program will phase in a new fleet of 30-foot low-floor buses that run on B20 biodiesel fuel and are equipped with bike racks and GPS tracking. The new buses are expected to be in service by the fall of 2009.

The upgrade of the bus system is part of Princeton’s Sustainability Plan and is expected to help reduce by 10 percent the number of students, faculty and staff commuting to campus by car by 2020.

Other features of the new bus program include better connections with New Jersey Transit and other local transportation providers, enhanced service to local shopping centers and an improved on-demand service.