Western Kentucky University (WKU) Topper Transit runs transit service in and around WKU’s main and south campuses that is free and open to all students, faculty, staff, and the general public. This fall, Topper Transit implemented several route adjustments recommended by a study conducted by Michael Baker International last year on behalf of the MPO. Some highlights of those changes include: service to the new Park Street commuter parking lot, expanded service to the northeast area of main campus on Kentucky Street, direct service from the on-campus residence area in the Valley to the academic corridor along State and Normal Streets, and better service from the new Parking Structure 3.
WKU monitored the new routes for the start of the semester and found that at peak demand, students were left standing at bus stops around campus because the buses were full. In response, Topper Transit introduced a Campus Circulator to operate in the academic corridor along State and Normal Street between 8:30 am and 11:15 am Monday – Thursday. The Campus Circulator, averaging 85.9 passengers per hour, has reduced wait times for students and relieved overcrowding on the Hilltopper and Big Red routes. Ridership continues to grow as students learn and use the new routes.