UTA transportation programs see ridership increases
More UTA students are taking the MavMover shuttle service than at any other time in the University’s history.
Projections show that The University of Texas at Arlington MavMover shuttle service will eclipse the 350,000 passenger mark this academic year, leading to an 80 percent increase over the number of passengers last year.
Parking and Transportation Services reported that October was the busiest month on record for MavMover, carrying 43,902 passengers, a 20 percent increase over September ridership.
The late night security escort service carried 7,137 passengers, a 19 percent increase over September.
The shopping shuttle service carried 2,315 passengers in October, which represented a 957 percent increase over last year. The shopping shuttle goes to Target, The Parks Mall, The Highlands, Texas Live!, Downtown Arlington and many other stops.
John Hall, UTA vice president of administration and campus operations, said the increase in ridership shows that students are embracing the service.
“We want to make it easier for students – and for that matter faculty and staff – to get around,” Hall said. “The MavMover, the security escort service and the shopping shuttle are answering student needs. It shows me that more students see the value in UTA providing such services.”
Hall said students are finding the services to meet a significant need.
“With no public transportation in the city, the students are finding that the UTA Shuttle is meeting a significant need of theirs and of our campus community, both on campus and off campus,” Hall said.
Hall added that UTA plans to continue having ongoing conversations with students and the entire campus community to expand services as necessary to meet their needs.
Greg Hladik, director of UTA Parking and Transportation, said the services also contribute to a safer campus.
“When students are using the shuttles, there are fewer cars on campus roads and it relieves parking demand on our interior parking lots,” Hladik said. “The success of our parking and mobility strategy depends on maximizing occupancy in all available parking lots where student adoption of the MavMover, Late Night Security Escort service and bike share are key.”
See a video of the MavMover here.
Visit the MavMover Shuttle website for more information about routes. Visit the shopping shuttle website for schedules. Visit the Mavs Courtesy Escort website for more information.