Wells + Associates was engaged by the University of Delaware (UD) to seek ways to enhance the University’s existing shuttle service and envision how the shuttle system could evolve to meet the future needs of the university community. The project included both qualitative and quantitative assessments of shuttle services at the university. 

Our work encompassed four core services:  

• A review of existing shuttle services
• Recommendations to enhance existing services
• An assessment of future campus needs
• The development of three-year and five-year plans for the bus service to meet future campus needs 

Use of Background Data

Our work embraced the use of data science to make both proper assessments and data-driven recommendations. Data was gathered from the university’s transportation services and geospatial services, as well as various open-source databases. We anayzed a range of characteristics, including:  

• Study area characteristics, such as residential, facility, and parking locations
• End-user characteristics, such as class locations and timings, registration periods, and ridership statistics
• Service area characteristics, such as bus stop locations, walkability, and non-UD transit availability
• Fleet characteristics, such as maintenance and operational costs
• Route characteristics, such as peak hour traffic and shuttle turning radius information 

Stakeholder Interviews: Engaging with Staff and Students

Over the course of five weeks, our team interviewed groups of staff and students to determine where there was consensus among stakeholders. This phase was important in determining the priorities that best fit the UD community.  

Key themes that developed from the stakeholder interviews were a focus on:  

• Hours of service
• The university’s Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Campus
• Route needs
• Alignment with campus changes such as student population increases, a shift to Conference USA, and graduation events
• Challenges with the university’s transportation app (at the time of the study)
• Regional connectivity 

Electric Vehicle (EV) Assessments

Our team partnered with CleanRide to assess issues related to shuttle electrification within both a three-year and five-year timeframe. This EV study included analyzing the benefits and drawbacks of EVs, a feasibility assessment, vehicle emissions analysis, funding opportunities, whether to contract the services or provide them in-house, and more.  

Strategic Transportation Recommendations for the University

Our recommendations covered an array of issues to help the UD community to determine the best possible next steps for their shuttle transportation program. These issues included the availability and use of fleet management software, the role and benefits of a student transportation fee, and how regular student transportation surveys can provide insights into price sensitivity, travel demand and preferences, and improve student satisfaction. We also provided an implementation strategy to improve and increase innovation, modernization, and operational and cost efficiencies.