The Cost of UWM Shuttles Under Scrutiny

As the university grapples with student transportation problems, a study has revealed that its Zilber and Freshwater Science shuttles average just 27 riders a day at the cost of $599.50 in tuition dollars.

“I didn’t know they were offered, and I’ve been here for five years. The daily cost of $600 for about 25 or so people to ride the bus is a little ridiculous,” says student Jeremy Timple.

UWM hired Nelson Nygaard to conduct a nine-month project on the university’s parking and transit a year ago. Nelson Nygaard helps stabilize transportation in many metropolitan areas. They have worked with cities such as Madison, Vancouver, and Moscow.

During the Fall semester last year, Nelson Nygaard collected data while assessing existing conditions. On February 19, they released their study to the public. One of the many topics presented is the cost-effectiveness of the Zilber and Freshwater Sciences shuttles.

Of the two shuttles, the Freshwater Sciences is less popular. It is also more expensive. The Freshwater Sciences Shuttle averages nine riders with an operating cost of $341, making the worth of every ride $37.90.

“Issues like that are exactly what this study is looking at,” says Lisa Jacobson, an associate project planner for Nelson Nygaard. “A lot of what we’re doing is looking to make these services more efficient…We’re really trying to look creatively to make the best use of available resources and serve the most people as possible.”

The Freshwater Sciences shuttle was established three years ago to transport students and faculty to the school of Freshwater Sciences. The school is located at Walker’s Point, roughly a 22-minute bus ride.

Ron Wallack has been the shuttle’s only driver ever since its existence. Wallack believes the benefits of the shuttle are greater than just financials.

“One of the best things about this shuttle is the friendships that have generated and getting to know people from all over the world. They are getting to know some of their classmates, and the people that they are with everyday, and it’s a nice 22-minute drive. Best shuttle UWM has.”

Lisa Jacobson and Nelson Nygaard have been working with students and staff on how to solve the pricey shuttle situation.

“How efficient is the service, what’s the ridership, what’s the cost per rider, what’s the benefit and value added for the university. ….Could it be a B.O.S.S. style service for Freshwater and Zilber or those could be combined,” said Jacobson.

Wallack doesn’t believe joint shuttles will work.

“I don’t think that will work because the time frame that I have to get to the Freshwater school and back to campus is tight.”

What Timple, Wollack, and Jacobson all seemed to agree on is that the university needs to step up its efforts in promoting the service.

“That’s something that we could either get rid of or try to promote a little bit better so we can get people on the bus,” said Timple.

Wollack also thinks more publicity could help.

“Visibility on campus is very important, there could be some signs on campus,” he said.

“As part of our recommendations, we think that good information and communications is the key to success for transit services. If nobody knows about the service, it’s not going to be used,” said Jacobson.

Nelson Nygaard was to present its final report along with recommendations to the university. Their study can be found here.