Jack Dilendik
October 3rd 2014

Interpretation Each method suggested would provide benefits accompanied by specific costs. These benefits and costs are outlined below.

Contracting through Centro Syracuse University currently has a contract with Centro Bus that is worth around $620,000 per year. An additional route could potentially cost roughly $100,000 ($600,000/6) more. This price would undoubtedly rise to compensate more direct routes to Destiny USA. The extra bus would provide students every accommodation Centro offers through its other current routes. In exchange for a higher price, Centro is liable for their drivers and insurance expenses. In addition Centro handles any maintenance and fuel expense. Centro bus has the advantage of easily seating over 45 students. Even at full capacity there is room to stand as well as efficiently carry on anything bought at Destiny Mall. Centro can also accommodate all handicapped students. Centro would run on a consistent predetermined schedule.

Realignment of Current Transports Shuttle service is already provided by the University and will not be difficult or costly to realign services. The University is currently responsible for the operation of a fleet of over 230 owned and leased motor vehicles distributed among 30 departments (consisting of approximately 500 drivers), as well as additional motor vehicles which may be leased as needed. The University is liable for its drivers, insurance expenses, maintenance, and fuel expenses. While this approach seems costly on the surface, one must remember that these expenses are already incurred by current operations. The realignment of resources could only possibly raise fuel, driver wage, and depreciation expenses. Advantages of this approach include better utilization of current resources, a satisfied student body, and constant communication between SU Parking and Transit services and Syracuse University students. Currently owned transports are hybrid machines designed to save on gasoline expenses. These vehicles can transport up to six students, but are limited in storage space. These vehicles cannot properly accommodate all special needs students. Labor costs for these vehicles could be reduced by allowing students to be drivers as part of the Universities work study program. Constant communication between students and the Transit department can be accomplished via text messaging or e-mail application. Constant communication is essential to fully utilize transportation resources and derive savings. This service would only run when three or more students send requests. Lenient scheduling would be the best way to affordably allocate resources.

Acquisition of new Transport A new transport for Syracuse University should be a ten passenger short bus. This transport could be acquired for $3,000-$5,000 from a website such as craigslist.com, ebay.com, or bought locally from a dealership. Unlike earlier mentioned solutions, this project would require new insurance, maintenance, fuel, and driver expenses. This project may be most costly and include the most liability. Drivers could be sourced from the work study program and insurance for this vehicle will come from the University’s current insurance plan. Advantages of this solution include adding value to Syracuse’s current fleet of vehicles, new means of advertisement, and complete handicap accessibility. The purchase of a new vehicle would be a significant investment for the university. Minor alteration to the exterior can serve as a new form of advertisement for the University. The proper vehicle to acquire will have the potential to accommodate special needs students.

It is our recommendation that Syracuse University better utilizes it’s current fleet of transport vehicles to meet student demand.
Our data has signaled the need for more transportation to Destiny USA. Our data also revealed that students prefer to travel to the mall in small groups of two or three. Any of our three solutions could easily meet these specified student requests. Therefore, our final decision is to be based on the most cost effective alternative. Between costs of operation and maintenance it is evident that a realignment of current shuttle services would be the most affordable solution. To begin realignment of shuttle services, the introduction of a messaging service between students and Syracuse’s transit department must be established. This service can be cheaply forged from the current landline used in the transit department office and can be integrated to work with the office’s current email address. Using current communication routes with the office of Transit The next step is to design the schedule of when this new service will be offered. The basic structure of this schedule is in Appendix BLAHBLAH. Next, drivers will need to be sourced from staff and eligible work study candidates. Finally, this new service must be made known to the entire student body via e-mail, posters, and the university website. http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2011/02/centro_proposes_raising_bus_fe.html Conclusions | Passengers | Cargo Space | University | Costs | Contract with Centro | 40+ students | Large | | | Realign Resources | | Limited | | | Acquire New Transport | | Large | | |