The VandyRide shuttle buses recently updated their services to incorporate two new routes following the reopening of 25th Avenue. However, multiple students shared their frustrations, claiming the shuttles left them stranded on the streets due to miscommunicated rides shown on the VandySafe app and unclarity among drivers. 

First-year Allyson Sellers said she attempted to board a VandyRide bus from Greek Row to Commons on Feb. 3. When the bus arrived, the driver informed her it was not on route to Commons, contrary to the route shown for that bus on the VandySafe app.

“We all waited for the next bus, and the driver said the bus before was actually supposed to take us to Commons,” Sellers said. “It just made me feel like the system in general was not very well put together.”

With first-years required to live on Commons, separate from main campus, many students have expressed a reliance on the VandyRide services to shorten their walk home at night. Depending on the location, students may have to walk up to 20 minutes if not picked up by a bus.

First-year Zara B’far said she frequently uses the VandyRide buses for traveling to and from Blair School of Music. B’far voiced dissatisfaction with VandyRide, saying she believes the system has led her to be late to multiple classes and music rehearsals.

“The app is super unreliable, and it is really hard to see where [the buses] are going and when they are going to get there,” B’far said. “If I have any time constraints, I just cannot rely on the bus. I have to walk, no matter how cold it is.”

B’far also reported various instances where the buses stopped running prior to their scheduled 1 a.m. CST end time. B’far said she often has rehearsals at Blair buildings late at night, and she expressed concern for her safety when traveling home without a van. 

“I have to walk by the MAPCO [gas station] where a bunch of shootings have been, as well as a smoke shop,” B’far said. “There [are] also homeless people, and then, on top of that, I have to walk through the psychiatric ward buildings.”

Sophomore Alison Zou lives at Highland Quad, and she said she started to use the new green route stop now located there. However, she said she often sees only one van running, even when the app states there are two.

“Every time I try to wait for a van [on Highland Quad], there isn’t one,” Zou said. 

In a message to The Hustler, a representative from Vanderbilt Parking and Transportation  explained how VandyRide operations have been working to continuously update the services based on feedback from both students and drivers. While they did not directly address specific concerns regarding mislabeled buses, no-show vans or confusion between drivers, the representative acknowledged students’ general frustrations and urged them to submit their complaints to the office so they can continue making improvements.

“We value rider input and will continue to seek ways to improve the VandyRide service,” the representative said. “Students are encouraged to submit feedback through the VandyRide comments form, available via the QR code on all shuttles, or the Passio app and to use the VandySafe app for additional safety.”