In today’s fast-paced world, efficient and reliable transportation is crucial for enhancing the quality of life on college campuses. For transportation and security staff at colleges and universities, ensuring students can access safe and convenient mobility options is a top priority. One innovative solution that has been gaining traction is on-demand transportation.
The Need for On-Demand Transportation
Transportation challenges are a common issue on many college campuses. According to a report by the College Board, transportation costs account for nearly 20% of the total cost of attending college for commuting students. Additionally, the Trellis’ Fall 2021 Student Financial Wellness Survey found that more than one in ten students feel their school does not make transportation affordable. These statistics highlight the need for more efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions.
What is On-Demand Transportation?
On-demand transportation is a flexible and efficient mode of transportation that allows users to book rides as needed, rather than relying on fixed schedules and routes. This model mainly benefits college campuses, where students’ schedules can be unpredictable and varied. On-demand transportation can include services like ride-sharing, shuttle services, and microtransit.
Benefits of On-Demand Transportation for Students
More Convenient: On-demand transportation ensures that students have convenient, reliable transportation at any time. This is particularly important for students with late-night study sessions or early-morning classes.
Increased Accessibility: On-demand transportation with a variety of accessibility features make moving around campus easier for everyone. For example, the TransLoc app is WCAG compliant, supports requests for wheelchair trips, and is translated into multiple languages.
Cost-Effective: By reducing the need for personal vehicles, on-demand transportation can help students save on transportation costs. This is especially beneficial for students from low-income backgrounds who may struggle with the high costs of owning and maintaining a car.
Safety and Security: On-demand transportation can enhance campus safety by providing a reliable means of transportation, especially during late hours. The TransLoc app, for instance, allows students to track their rides in real-time, providing an added layer of security.
Environmental Benefits: By reducing the number of personal vehicles on campus, on-demand transportation can help lower carbon emissions and promote a more sustainable campus environment.
The Role of TransLoc OnDemand
TransLoc’s OnDemand solution is a powerful tool that facilitates on-demand transportation on college campuses and offers features such as real-time vehicle tracking, automated dispatch, routing, and passenger booking. With TransLoc, students can easily book rides, track their vehicles in real-time, and receive notifications about their ride status. This level of convenience and reliability can greatly enhance the student experience.
Several universities have successfully implemented on-demand transportation solutions with the help of the TransLoc app. For example, the University of Illinois at Chicago, which has a large medical training facility uses TransLoc for their Night Ride service, significantly increasing the safety and mobility of their students and staff. This has improved the efficiency and reliability of campus transportation, leading to an increase in ridership from 3000 rides per year to more than 50,000 over seven years.
On-demand transportation is a game-changer for college campuses, offering numerous benefits for students, transportation staff, and the environment. By leveraging innovative solutions like TransLoc OnDemand, colleges and universities can enhance campus mobility, improve student life, and create a safer, more sustainable campus environment.
To learn more about how embracing these technologies can help you better serve your student population and meet their evolving needs, click here to connect with a member of our team.