Summary

At the University of Memphis, campus transportation has evolved from a traditional shuttle system into a more flexible, rider-centered program designed to meet changing demand throughout the day. What was once a small fleet supporting fixed routes has become a dynamic, mixed-mode operation powered by TripShot. Today, Memphis operates its Blue Line as a hybrid service model. During the day, Main Campus and Park Avenue routes run as fixed-route service, providing predictable, high-frequency circulation. In the evening, that same system transitions to on-demand service, allowing riders to request trips based on their specific locations and needs. By unifying service types into a single platform and rider experience, Memphis has aligned its transportation system with how people actually move — structured during the day, flexible at night — without adding operational complexity.

“We wanted to go to a platform that could offer the same… on the app for both on demand… and we wanted to continue our fixed route. We wanted a company that could handle both seamlessly. ” —Thomas Miller, Assistant Director Parking and Transportation

Challenge

Like many universities, the University of Memphis faced growing pressure to deliver more effective transportation service without significantly expanding resources. While the campus shuttle system was already established, it did not have the flexibility that TripShot On Demand platform offered.

As ridership began to increase, the limitations of a fixed-route-only model became more apparent. Daytime service remained effective, but evening demand patterns were less predictable, with riders dispersed across campus and the surrounding neighbirhood with fewer natural corridors to support efficient routing. At the same time, expectations were rising. Riders wanted real-time visibility, clearer communication, and more convenient access to service — especially for evening hours. Safety and accessibility became more important considerations in the evening, when fixed routes often left gaps in coverage.

Solution

With TripShot, the University of Memphis has built a more adaptable transportation system that matches service delivery to real-world rider behavior.

"The fact that we went to the on-demand platform at nighttime has made our… service just much more efficient. We go get them exactly where they are… and we take them where they want to go."—Thomas Miller, Assistant Director Parking and Transportation

By combining fixed-route and on-demand service within a single platform, the university can adjust operations based on demand without fragmenting the experience. During the day, fixed routes provide efficient, predictable service. In the evening, on-demand service allows riders to request trips directly, improving convenience and supporting safer travel when activity is more dispersed. The On Demand evening service takes in a geofence of about 1 mile around the campus to serve apartments and restaurants students frequently use.