4:27 p.m., March 19, 2009----More than 1 million riders used the University of Delaware Bus Service last year, and now the ride has been enhanced with the addition of four new vehicles.

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Sporting the UD logo set in a pair of UD blue and gold stripes down each side, the new transit-style buses are easy to spot and easy to get on and off, and they are air conditioned.

An additional feature of interest to UD students will be Wi-Fi, which officials say should be available by early April.

Made by North American Bus Industries, the Opus model buses are just the ticket for the demands of a system that operates up to 18 hours daily during spring and fall semesters, said William Fitzpatrick, interim director of supporting services.

“The real advantage to these buses is that they are transit style, just like you would find in any metropolitan bus system,” Fitzpatrick said. “They feature much improved access, with a retractable ramp and seating section to accommodate the requirements of those who use wheelchairs.”

While student use will remain high, Fitzpatrick said that he hopes the new buses with vista-like viewing capability and blue and gold interior trim, also will prove an attractive alternative in getting around campus for all members of the UD community.

“I think it will be better for both the students and the staff,” Fitzpatrick said. “The drivers love them and we are thrilled to have them added to our fleet.”

On a recent trip around Laird Campus at the helm of one of the new vehicles, Jo Ann Barnett, a service supervisor in transportation services, said, “I love driving it. It makes me want to be a driver again.”

While the new buses, which are nearly 30-feet long, are not hard to see, being branded with the blue and gold UD trim and logo makes them easily identifiable as official units of the UD shuttle service.

“The wrapping, installed by Color Reflections, of Philadelphia, has to be pliable in order to accommodate rivets and seams,” said Keith Heckert, senior art director and trademark licensing manager in UD's Office of Communications & Marketing who designs bus wraps. “The design of the 3M Controltac wrapping is similar to what we have used on other buses.”

To learn more about the UD shuttle, including routes and scheduled stops, visit this Web site, which also features a new look thanks to Jeff Chase, a senior art director in the UD Office of Communications and Marketing.

Article by Jerry Rhodes
Photos by Kathy Atkinson