Tennessee Tech launching a new four-shuttle system and an express route to reduce wait times and improve campus accessibility for students and employees.
Tennessee Tech News and Public Relations Director Jonathan Frank said the university added the red route express shuttle to move passengers continuously between the West Purple lot and the corner of Stadium Drive and University Drive.
“We hear from a lot of folks who say that they find the shuttle system to be really valuable, but they’re asking us to do what we can to get those wait times down, and so that’s exactly what we’ve done here,” Frank said. “Specifically for the express shuttle, you’re looking at wait times of less than five minutes, and so that really makes it a lot more convenient for people.”
Frank said the university currently maintains an inventory of nearly 5,000 parking spaces despite recent construction impacts. He said while the school meets the industry standard of one space for every four students, the administration is adapting to the daily experiences of those on campus.
“I also think that students understand the balancing act here, because they tell us they want a walkable campus that is safe for pedestrians and bicyclists, they want to see green spaces and gathering areas, they love Wilmore Way with the brick pavers that really, I think, enhance the beauty of our campus,” Frank said. “But they also need a place to park, and so all of that comes into play.”
Frank said the express route specifically targets passengers who need to cross Willow Avenue to reach the center of campus near the Ashraf Islam Engineering Building. Frank said this location provides convenient access for those traveling to the library, the engineering quad, or the RUC.
“It’s a good option for people who may be parking in that West Purple lot and they say, ‘I don’t need to be dropped off right outside my building, right outside the front door necessarily, but just get me across Willow Avenue into the center of campus and I’ll take it from there,’” Frank said.
Frank said the university is also utilizing the Passio GO! app to provide real-time shuttle locations and push notifications regarding construction or traffic changes. Frank said the school is partnering with the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency to provide free transit for students living at Saxony Apartments and Eagles Landing Apartments.
“I think that the shuttle routes are pretty well set for at least this semester, but we are continuously monitoring feedback, listening to students, and I think there’s always a willingness to make changes where needed to better serve the students,” Frank said.
Frank said a gravel lot bound by Willow Avenue and Whitney Avenue is being converted into a paved lot with new lighting. Frank said the project is on track for completion by October 1 and will provide 120 additional parking spaces.
“When we have an opportunity to explain those things and then students hear about the steps we’re taking to improve their parking experience like with this new express shuttle, they tend to respond very favorably,” Frank said.
Frank said the university has launched a new webpage at tntech.edu/parkinganswers to provide frequently asked questions and updates about parking at Tech.