Fresh Perspectives: How CTR is Helping Shape the Future of UT Student Travel with Uber Vouchers
The University of Tennessee is taking a bold step toward modernizing campus transit through a new pilot program with Uber. This experimental program is providing 2,000 freshmen with up to 10 individual $10 ride vouchers each. This initiative will enhance student’s abilities to move while learning how to change infrastructure and habits for the better. The landmark study is designed to redefine how major universities manage student mobility and reduce the demand for “car storage”.
In a close-knit collaboration with the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research, CTR researchers Dr. Samantha Haus and Dr. Katherine Asmussen have been instrumental in turning this pilot into a sophisticated behavioral research project. Their work ensures that every ride taken provides data-driven insights into the future of campus infrastructure.
Understanding the “Freshman Shift”
The decision to focus on first-year residential students was highly intentional. As Dr. Asmussen notes, freshmen are in a unique “habit-formation” stage of life. For instance, starting college marks a major transition where daily travel patterns and transportation preferences are established. By examining the choices these students make, the research team can predict and shape lasting transportation behaviors.
The project aims to discover what students hope to gain from these services and how mobility affects their broader university experience. “By examining the preferences and day-to-day choices students make, we hope to help the University of Tennessee make decisions about how to best support students across campus,” Dr. Asmussen explained.
Data-Driven Survey Design
Dr. Haus and the research team, including CTR reseachers Dr. Usman Ahmed and Dr. Marcela Kaplan, have led the development and deployment of a specialized survey tailored specifically to the UT student body. This survey is designed to capture the specific challenges students face, from the “ridiculous costs” of surge pricing to the reliability of existing transit like the T-Bus or KAT.
By coupling survey feedback with real-time voucher usage data, Dr. Haus and the team are identifying critical “gaps” in the current system. This evidence-based approach will allow the University to make informed decisions. Moreover, the results will help decide whether to expand bus services, increase rideshare partnerships, or foster new informal carpooling options.
Paving a Sustainable Path Forward
Ultimately, this partnership is about more than just getting from point A to point B; it’s about sustainability. UT Parking and Transportation has already seen campus parking occupancy drop from 99% to 80% through alternative programs. By reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles used primarily for storage, CTR is helping the university reclaim valuable campus space.
Our researchers’ work on this project will keep the University of Tennessee at the forefront of transportation innovation, creating a more accessible, efficient, and student-centered campus.
Read more about this project at utdailybeacon.com