UTSA apartment shuttle service remains at six complexes

UTSA shuttle at Main Building

(Feb. 3, 2010)--Because of limited funding, the UTSA transportation budget could not continue free shuttle service in spring 2010 to apartment complexes near the UTSA Main Campus unless a $10,000 fee per semester was paid by each apartment complex. The good news for many students is that UTSA Business Auxiliary Services estimates that more than two-thirds of students riding the off-campus shuttles were not be affected by the changes.

Additional good news is that seven of the 12 complexes affected have agreed to participate in the fee: Avalon, High View Place, Hill Country Place, Maverick Creek Villas, The Reserve, The Outpost and Broadstone Ranch. Complexes that no longer have a shuttle stop include Chase Hill, Las Colinas, Alpin, Highlands and Bluebonnet Hill.

In spring 2009, UTSA Business Auxiliary Services personnel met with management staff at apartment complexes near the UTSA Main Campus to discuss the long-term viability of continuing to offer UTSA shuttle stops at apartment communities for residents who also are UTSA students. The apartment managers were advised at that time that there would be a fee of $10,000 per semester in order to continue service in the spring 2010 semester.

The UTSA transportation budget is funded solely by the student transportation fee. With the increasing number of apartment complexes near UTSA, the steep rise in the number of students riding the UTSA shuttles and no increase in funding, the level of service could not be maintained.

Last fall, members of the Student Transportation Committee placed fliers on UTSA shuttles buses and at bus shelters advising student riders of the upcoming change and encouraging them to speak with apartment management about paying the fee to continue shuttle service.

For more information, contact UTSA Business Auxiliary Services Transportation Division at 210-458-7275.