Service Adjustments Update
ECUSTA routes have undergone a number of improvements in response to the data collected on ridership so far this semester. While our initial response to the 10% service reduction requirement was to actually increase service during peak hours and trim off-peak service, the schedules we started off with for the Fall 2009 semester still weren't able to cope with the larger ridership numbers we've seen.

So far, we've increased service about 3% over our original schedules and reallocated vehicles to be more effective. Strategic changes made to key areas of service are helping to minimize the overcrowding issues sometimes resulting in passengers getting left behind due to full buses.

Here's a brief rundown of what we've changed to date:

• All 500-series routes which combine during off-peak hours have been given extended dedicated service to accommodate afternoon peak loads
• Combinations now operate after peak hours from 5:30pm until the end of regular service at 6:30pm
• 610 Minges Park & Ride was assigned an extra shuttle while retaining five minute headway during peak times
• Run times for all early-closing 610 Minges Park & Ride shuttles were extended for afternoon peak loads

As we continue to identify trends in passenger activity, remember: your feedback is always important to us, as there are some things no amount of counting can pinpoint. Also, keep an eye out for more improvements may follow. If you're one of a small number of people who opted to use other methods of transportation, give us another shot. We believe you'll find these small changes have made a huge difference in how we operate.

Original Posting: You Spoke, We Listened: Relief is On the Way
Over the summer, our staff worked to comply with the university's request to reduce our service hours by 10% beginning with the Fall 2009 semester. We first announced major changes were coming via our web site on July 16th, with near-final route information posted on August 4th. Our emphasis on things like peak class times, variable bus frequencies and combination routes was the result of this requirement to reduce our time spent on the road.

From day one of the semester, we've been collecting data on passenger activity across our entire system just as we have done in previous semesters. On our first day alone, over 21,000 passengers were served. Although the semester has just begun, the numbers are already clearly telling us about the next steps we need to take.

Our analysis of ridership data thus far has indicated the need for further revision to our service. Expanding peak load capacity is at the top of our agenda to ensure we help get our largest student population ever to and from campus safely.

With this in mind, there are two simple things you can do to help us transition to the faster, more efficient and rider friendly service we strive to be. Help us help you by riding early during peak class times. We encourage all our passengers to help "spread the peak" and by arriving on campus earlier than the minimum required to be on time.

Most importantly, just stick with us while we make revisions to our schedules to better accommodate our passenger loads. To better serve everyone who rides with us, buses are being reallocated to maximize their usefulness.

Keep checking this site for updates as we work to improve ECUSTA's services to you and the university as a whole. We are dedicated to making changes where it counts the most. Also, continue providing feedback on how our service works (or even how it doesn't work) for you. We count on your involvement to improve the way we do business.