TROY –Troy University, through a grant from the Federal Transportation Administration, will begin testing routes for a new campus-based shuttle bus transportation system, according to Herbert Reeves, dean of students and the project coordinator.

The $3.5 million project is aimed at reducing traffic congestion and increasing on-campus safety.

“The reason we needed to move forward with a project of this magnitude was because we’re out of parking on campus and have had an increase in traffic on campus,” Reeves said. “There are obvious safety factors and there are environmental benefits through energy savings to consider as well.”

The project, which calls for the construction and paving of four park-and-ride lots, will provide 12 shuttle buses that will run regular routes on campus, and continue the regular service from campus to various destinations in Troy. Additionally, a maintenance facility, a support vehicle, rehabilitation of some campus roadways, passenger shelters and landscaping are included in the project.

Reeves said the FTA grant required the University to provide 20 percent of the total project cost, estimated at $589,783.

“This project does a number of things for the University in addition to addressing some of our growing pains,” Reeves said.  “We are able to become more Americans with Disabilities Act compliant, provide an added benefit to our students, faculty and staff and enhance the safety of our campus.”

There is no existing form of public mass transit in Troy or Pike County, so the shuttle bus system fills a void in the community and reduces the cost of chartering buses for on-campus organizations. The service will be free-of-charge to students, although campus organizations will have to pay a fee to charter buses.

“We’ll continue to provide a shuttle to the Montgomery airport, in town, and for community members coming from town to the campus for special events,” Reeves said, adding that University groups could also “charter” the buses for special events and field trips for a fee.

The driving force behind the project, however, remains the shortage of parking spaces. The Troy campus currently issues about 5,250 parking permits annually, and about 3,000 visitor passes each year – more than 8,000 vehicles to vie for just 2,961 available parking spaces.

“The creation of additional parking on the perimeter of the campus will afford adequate parking and the shuttle system will be a convenient way for students to travel,” he said.

Among the University’s new “rolling stock” will be four shuttle buses less than 30 feet in the length, three 30-foot shuttles and five 35-foot buses. The smaller shuttles will accommodate 15 passengers, while the largest will seat 33.

Construction of the parking lots and the maintenance facility is expected to begin by the end of the month, when Reeves expects to take delivery of the new shuttles. Test runs along the route are expected to begin in June.

The four park-and-ride lots designated under the project are:

·         Locust Drive (already completed), adjacent to the Trojan Oaks Pro Shop;

·         Heat Plant, an expansion and paving of the existing gravel parking area near the track;

·         Collegedale, an expansion and paving of the existing gravel parking area behind Clements Hall; and

·         Trojan Center, a resurfacing of the parking area between Trojan Center and the Natatorium.