UMA Connecting the Dots Recap

Click here to watch a recording of the workshop.

Panelists:

Dan Hoffman from Clemson University

Heather Lollis from CATbus

CATbus connects Clemson with other cities and counties through partnerships with Electric City Transit, Greenville Transit Authority; Seneca, Central, Pendleton, Pickens, and Greenville
Discussion is ongoing with GTA to develop consistent routes for Greenville to Clemson
2019 ridership numbers were used for FTA to determine how much grant funding, so low ridership will not affect funding

Keith Scott from Electric City Transit

Keith Moody

Anderson started with CATbus 2000-2001 with 4U Clemson, Southern Wesleyan, Anderson University, and Tri-County Tech to about 2011
Anderson County used grant funding, and then fare was charged, but CATbus is not set up for fares. Routes were adjusted to connect in Pendleton instead of Anderson. This worked out well for Anderson folks because there are more connections. Riders enjoy going Clemson area, different restaurants, shopping, etc.

Dan Hoffman

Clemson’s focus mainly on getting students to campus and reducing cars on campus
Services also leave campus to go shopping and provide holiday airport shuttles.
Transit funds come mainly from transit fees that students pay
Other options include car-sharing, park, and ride for off-campus parking, bike share
Meal plans subsidized for staff to reduce traffic in and out for lunch
Most popular route is to Greenville
Many faculty members use Tiger route that includes free public parking garage at CUICAR in Greenville.
Gamification uses students and faculty tracking with prizes
Most concerned about lack of bike infrastructure
Conversations began with working with CATbus on data to increase good routes that are shorter.
Running 15-minute service now.
Lots of housing has been built within walking distance near downtown

Heather Lolis

Seneca system first to be electric with 5-6 Proterra buses that have exceeded battery life expectations
Bought 10 electric busses recently
100% electric is not possible due to emergency management protocols

Dan Hoffman

Clemson is very concerned about pedestrian safety.
Studies have been done to mitigate risk with enhanced signaling and extra-large speed bumps.
Working with Todd Steadmon and a committee working on enhancing bike safety
Some apartments have created their own transit services
Hybrid system in place with contractors, Cat bus, 25-30 buses of their own, and right-size fleet
On football days, transit is all CATbus

Keith

All buses have bike racks so that people may ride the many trails around city
The city and county are in discussion about bike safety and infrastructure
50% of buses are natural gas and 50% diesel
2 new buses will be purchased this year
Natural gas buses run in more condensed areas and diesel for longer routes for increased efficiency
Natural Gas built filling station nearby

Heather

Liberty, Easley, Powdersville need service and will be talking with Greenlink soon.
Routes must run for three years before seeing ridership and receive grant funding.
Walhalla would like service.
Main focus is expanding and better connectivity with Greenville
Extra bus shelters installed this year at busiest points

Keith

Electric City goes to many major employers
Expansion possibility to Highway 81 corridor
Headways in Anderson are one hour, and 30-minute headways would double budget and number of drivers
Budget would have to be increased with taxes in order to expand routes

Dan

Creating convenience and options will be key
Some things they are doing:
- Subsidized transit passes for employees
- Discounted park and ride lots
Future might include:
- congestion pricing
- Expanding technology with real-time tracking of occupancy and timeliness
- Scooters (safely)
- Real-time parking sensors and availability
Pilot program in student lot with 6 different permit types resulted in grant funding to expand bike share with electric bikes.
DOE grant for autonomous vehicles to evaluate feasibility and safety

Watch for more information for Connecting the Dots event with Greenville and Spartanburg!