The University of Wyoming (UW) Division of Auxiliary Services renamed Transit and Parking Service's transit system to "Roundup" as part of a rebranding initiative that coincides with the arrival of six new university-owned buses.

The six new buses, which feature a low-floor design to improve loading times and aid entry and a "clean diesel" design that eliminates most nitrogen oxide emissions, were purchased through a $1.55 million Federal Transit Administration stimulus grant distributed through the Wyoming Department of Transportation. They replace older buses that UW rented to shuttle students, faculty, and staff around campus and the community.

"The employees of Transit and Parking Services do an excellent job for UW through the safe transport of students, faculty and staff to and from campus, and we believed it was important for these buses to positively represent the work these employees do and their importance to the UW community," says Carolyn Smith, director of Auxiliary Services.

The six new buses will include custom brown and gold graphics to distinguish them in the community. Vinyl graphics will also be applied to all "Roundup" bus shelters.

Initial focus group research, conducted by UW Institutional Marketing, revealed opportunities to enhance the visual image of the university transit system.

The UW transit system, which has been in operation since 2002, has a fleet of 19 buses and transports approximately 620,000 riders annually.

The new buses will be unveiled during a formal ceremony in October.