ASU shuttle bus users encouraged to use Orbit

The USB shuttle, which has transported passengers between the University Services Building and other central locations on the Tempe campus for the past three years, will be discontinued as of Aug. 25, ASU’s Parking and Transit Services has announced.

“Parking and Transit Services consistently monitors its shuttle services to ensure the department’s funds are being allocated in the most responsible manner,” says Theresa Fletcher, director of PTS. “In reviewing USB shuttle ridership data over the past year, it became apparent that ridership numbers had drastically decreased, and we concluded that the number of passengers riding the shuttle each day did not support the operational costs.”

Members of the ASU community on the Tempe campus who need to reach the USB are encouraged to use Tempe’s Orbit shuttle system. The Jupiter Orbit route provides direct connections between the following ASU locations: the Fulton Center at College Avenue north of University Drive; the Student Services Building at Forest Avenue and Lemon Street, the same site as ASU’s intercampus shuttle hub; and the USB via a neighborhood stop at Spence Avenue and Rural Road. Furthermore, a Jupiter Orbit stop recently has been added on the east side of Rural directly in front of the USB to provide an additional means to quickly access the USB from other campus and Tempe neighborhood locations.

Orbit shuttles are free of charge and passengers do not need to obtain any sort of bus pass or ticket before boarding. The shuttles run seven days a week, every 15 minutes, from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m.

University employees and students can view complete Orbit route and schedule information by visiting the city of Tempe’s Web site www.tempe.gov/tim/Bus/Orbit.htm.

“We recognize the role we play assisting university community members in reaching their campus destinations, and would not have made the decision to discontinue the USB Shuttle if the city’s Orbit system was not a viable, convenient option,” Fletcher says.

“Tempe has put into place an efficient route that will provide reliable service to and from the center of campus and the USB.”
Additionally, ASU employees and students can reach the USB using the McAllister Shuttle. This shuttle picks up in Lot 59N and travels north and south along McAllister Avenue, with a stop across the street from the USB in Lot 72, on the west side of Rural.

The USB Shuttle’s final day of service will be Aug. 22. Until that time, the shuttle will operate on its regularly scheduled route, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.