Been on campus lately? You may have noticed the spiffy new buses hauling students to and fro. But for those Vols who no longer reside in Big Orange Country, here are ten reasons the new buses are so awesome.
10. These buses play “Rocky Top.”
That’s right. At a moment’s notice the driver can press a button and “Rocky Top” will come pouring out of the speakers. Lest you forget you’re at UT.
9. It’s still called “the T.”
We’re all about tradition. Students were consulted about renaming the transit system, but decided to stick with “the T.”
8. These drivers know where to go.
A third of the T drivers drove for the previous transit system—one driver has been driving buses on campus for more than twenty years.
7. Fancy bike racks.
UT loves alternative transportation and is committed to sustainability, so our new buses were each built to hold three bicycles on their front.
6. Responsive data collection.
As the new buses are running their routes, each vehicle collects data—such as how many riders are coming and going—that allows adjustments to routes and services as needed to better serve the campus community.
5. USB charging stations.
In the age of the electronic tether, finding juice for your phone or tablet is a must. The back of each bus is equipped with four USB charging stations.
4. Fully accessible.
With a hydraulic wheelchair ramp and an auditory stop notation system for the visually impaired, these buses meet full compliance for the Americans with Disabilities Act.
3. Environmentally sound.
These vehicles actually release emissions that are cleaner than the intake air. They run on B20, a biodiesel fuel that releases 20 percent less hydrocarbons than conventional bus fuel.
2. There’s an app for it.
Riders will never have to wonder if they just missed the bus, thanks to a tracking system built into the UT mobile app. GPS locators show real-time vehicle location, calculate the expected time of arrival, and notify users of updated route or scheduling changes.
1. They are all Vol.
Orange—check; checkerboard—check; Smokey hanging out of the side window—yes, indeed. There’s no doubt you’re in Big Orange Country when you ride the T.