UMass Transit student bus drivers discuss job experiences

This article was published on April 12, 2013 on the Daily Collegian online publication.

Student Driver with Bus

University of Massachusetts sophomore Jen DePlanche runs out of her dorm and through the concourse of the Southwest Residential Area at 6:50 a.m. on her way across campus to get behind the wheel of a blue and orange Pioneer Valley Transit Authority bus — taunts by peers fresh in her head.

“Can you even reach the pedals?” they ask the 5-foot-3 DePlanche.

“Shut up, they’re adjustable,” she replies.

One of more than 150 students who serve an on-campus community of over 12,000, DePlanche works as a driver for UMass Transit, which operates PVTA service in the Five College area.

New Parking Services Manager Jon King Sees Challenges in Changing Campus

This story was published on August 13, 2014 in the UMass Amherst News & Media Relations online publication.

Jon King

Eleven thousand, three-hundred, some-odd: that is the number of parking spaces in Jonathan “Jon” King’s new domain as manager of Parking Services.

At the same time, King – who succeeded Michael Brennan as parking chief on June 1 – is quick to point out that for many people on campus, a parking space is more than a couple of lines on the asphalt.

“For a lot of people, it is a pretty personal thing,” said King. “People take it very seriously and very personally.”

Physical Sciences Building Project Requires Parking Lot, Bus Stop Changes

This story was published on June 11, 2015 in the UMass Amherst News & Media Relations online publication.

Lederle Graduate Research Center

As part of the construction of the new Physical Sciences Building, the metered parking lot south of the Lederle Graduate Research Center lowrise has been permanently closed.

A new Lot 61 reserved for long-term handicapped parking has been opened between the Lederle GRC lowrise and tower. Access is from Governors Drive. The new lot includes four 15-minute loading zone spaces.

UMass Amherst Ranked Among Top 50 Green Colleges by Princeton Review

This story was published on April 22, 2015 in the UMass Amherst News & Media online publication.

Guide to Green Schools logo

AMHERST, Mass. – As the nation marks Earth Day, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is rated as one of the top 50 most environmentally responsible colleges, according to the just-released The Princeton Review’s Guide to 353 Green Colleges.

Ranked 21st, UMass Amherst is cited for its alternative transportation options, including the bike share program provided by the Student Government Association, facilities for cyclists, a car-sharing program, carpooling and ridesharing, and transit services for students, faculty and staff, and a policy against motor vehicle idling.

PARKING

parking@umass.edu
(413) 577-PARK (7275)

     

TRANSIT

transit@umass.edu
(413) 545-0056

     

FLEET

transport@umass.edu
(413) 545-4682