New company to provide bus travel around Purdue's campus starting in fall, replacing CityBus
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — After 25 years of using Lafayette-based CityBus to move students and staff around campus, Purdue trustees have approved a $7.8 million, three-year contract with a new campus transportation provider beginning in the fall.
Jessica Robertson, associate vice president of auxiliary services for Purdue, told trustees at their meeting Friday morning that the new company, SP+, based out of Chicago, will offer more flexibility and be focused on campus needs.
"SP+ brings decades of experience in bringing transit services to higher education and corporate clients and bring an elevated experience to our campus," she said, emphasizing the company's use of technology, including artificial intelligence and an app for students, staff and faculty to use in navigating campus.
Several student groups were involved in narrowing the eight proposals, she said; SP+ is able to call on vehicles of various sizes, increase frequency and be more adaptable.
Trustees approved the contract unanimously.
Steven Poulsen, SP+ national director of transportation, said his company has operated not only on other college campuses, but also provided transportation for hospital campuses, the NFL and the last 23 Super Bowls. The company's fleet, which he said would be dedicated solely to the university's needs, can encompass 15 to an average of 65 vehicles.
"We've had a lot of communication with different groups on campus. We've spent a lot of time literally driving around campus looking at what's going on," he said. "I'm not here to throw anyone literally under the proverbial bus, but things can be improved, and we're very excited about the opportunity."
The company is looking at using technology to allow students to schedule their transportation, which would be free to anyone with a Purdue ID.
The number of vehicles and routes can adjust based on need, Poulsen said. The company has two potential local sites in mind at which to store its fleet, ideally no more than 10 minutes from campus. Now that the contract has been approved, those decisions can be finalized between now and when service officially begins Aug. 25.
"Hopefully, the difference is, 'Wow, it's on time!' 'Wow, it's comfy!' 'Wow, it looks great!'" Poulsen said of current bus service and what his company intends to offer.
Students living off campus, though, would have free transportation on campus, but what the transportation options are for those forced to live off campus is murky. The SP+ contract does not include off-campus transportation.
'We appreciate the many years of collaboration with Purdue University and the opportunity to have served generations of students,' CityBus CEO Bryan Smith said in a release after Friday's meeting. 'CityBus will continue to provide reliable, safe, and accessible transit options for all members of our community, including those affiliated with Purdue University.'
Campus Loop service routes 13C Silver Loop, 14C Black Loop, 15C Tower Acres and the 16C Bronze Loop will be discontinued, CityBus said, but the public transportation authority will continue providing "essential mobility options for Purdue affiliates" to provide connections between campus and the broader community.
"CityBus' existing route network throughout West Lafayette will continue to serve key areas of campus, allowing Purdue affiliates to access residential areas, shopping centers, medical facilities, and employment hubs with ease," the release said. "Additionally, route 23 The Connector will remain a fare-free option for all connecting campus and the downtown districts, supporting local businesses and ensuring mobility."
CityBus will remain open to future partnership opportunities with Purdue, the release said.
"Transportation is usually the first thing someone interacts with," Poulsen told the trustees, "and it's the last."
Reporter Jillian Ellison contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue trustees OK $7.8M contract for new campus bus company in fall
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