TripShot is the new platform available to track and get the latest information on shuttle buses on campus.
Alyssa Devries, a junior Communications and Media Studies major, checking TripShot, the new shuttle navigation platform.
Karsten Englander | The Montclarion
Monica Smith, director of transportation services, said it was necessary to make the switch to TripShot. Nexbus, the shuttle bus app that was being used over the past few years, had reached its end.
“The previous tracking software app [Nexbus] had gone out of business and therefore was no longer technically supported,” Smith said. “Nexbus became so unreliable and the university needed to upgrade to a reliable service provider.”
TripShot may be convenient for students who travel by shuttle around campus throughout the day. Students can download the TripShot app or access the platform online.
Students waiting to enter the Campus Loop shuttle outside of University Hall.
Karsten Englander | The Montclarion
TripShot has been available since the start of the semester. Smith said the app has a lot to offer.
“Some key features available to students on this app include real-time shuttle tracking, estimated shuttle arrival times, shuttle service alerts, and the ability to plan routes and receive notifications regarding shuttle service changes or delays,” Smith said. “Additionally, students who register or use [single sign-on] to sign up, can access notifications and service schedules that alert the student when the bus is within 5 minutes of their designated bus stop to better plan their transportation needs.”
Victor Aguiles, a sophomore biology major, was fascinated about the tracking feature on TripShot. He said that students can reroute if the shuttle is late or still far from their stop.
Victor Auguiles said TripShot will help with planning travel around campus. Karsten Englander | The Montclarion
“[That’s] perfect,” Aguiles said. “You know where the shuttle really is. I park in Lot 27. You [can] decide if you want to walk or take the shuttle especially because of the timing.”
Kevin De Jesus, a junior information technology major, said last semester he didn’t always resort to the Nexbus app but that shuttle bus service was much more frequent. Traffic on campus has delayed shuttle arrivals.
De Jesus is considering using the TripShot app since he said frequent shuttle service has declined. Karsten Englander | The Montclarion
“I did hear of a few complaints about the app,” De Jesus said. “That’s why I never really used it.” “In my opinion, the bus schedule last year was a lot better that I didn’t need to use the app. There was always a bus going around. Now I’m waiting for a good minute.”
After hearing about TripShot, De Jesus may turn to it after he said the shuttle service has changed this semester.
“I’d probably consider using the new app,” De Jesus said.
Paco Salas, a junior Spanish major, knows how he will use the app.
Salas uses the shuttle buses occasionally but would use the TripShot app to track the shuttles. Karsten Englander | The Montclarion
“I occasionally use the shuttles,” Salas said. “I park in Lot 60. I just usually walk over there. It’d be good to keep track of where the shuttles are and make sure they’re on time.”
