Campus Cab keeps UF moving

March 12, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Despite the constant pedestrian traffic and limited road access on a typical day of classes, University of Florida faculty and staff can still easily travel across the campus with Campus Cab.

In 2008, UF leaders decided to reduce the number of departmental vehicles on campus, as many were seldom used and they often occupied precious parking spaces. Campus Cab started the same year to supplement the loss of those vehicles. It allowed faculty and staff to get to their meetings on time without using personal or department vehicles.

The cabs, which are operated by Transportation and Parking Services, reduce the number of vehicles in use on campus, said Ron Fuller, assistant director of Transportation and Parking Services.

The program is funded by charging each department to use reserved parking spaces for department vehicles. Each space costs $3,000 per year.

Three minivans can carry seven passengers each, Fuller said. Cabs are available from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“They stay busy all day long,” he added. Ridership has increased over the years, said Fuller, and the program has grown from one cab to three. In January, Campus Cab provided 632 individual rides and served 802 riders.

Because Campus Cab is funded by departments, it is reserved for faculty and staff. The on-campus, RTS routes provide a similar service for students.

To reserve a cab, email campuscab@ufl.edu.