The University of Massachusetts Lowell has emerged as a leading research and teaching university and its success is fueling growth. As the university increases enrollment and expands facilities, it encountered several challenges to circulation including several weight-restricted bridges, multiple campuses on opposite sides of the Merrimack River, and narrow roadways that remain from Lowell’s days as a mill town.
Nelson\Nygaard developed a campus transit system to support the university’s expansion. Following an analysis of current and future faculty, staff and student needs, we created a set of transit service scenarios that would better match the growing needs of the campus and balance efficiency and customer service across campus users. Recommendations included vehicle and fuel types, accessibility measures, policy changes, and stops and integrations with the local transit service agency.