Stony Brook University operates SBU Transit, a free shuttle system connecting key destinations across its Long Island campus. Thousands of students depend on the service every day to reach classes, labs, housing, and campus services. With 34 vehicles in the fleet and 17 buses running daily, the system provides an impressive 2–2.2 million rides per year, making reliable technology essential to keeping the campus moving.

Challenges before ETA

Stony Brook’s contract with its previous bus-tracking provider ended in July 2024, prompting the university to seek a new solution before the upcoming semester. As the new term approached, riders and staff grew increasingly eager for reliable real-time bus information and a smooth transition to a new system.

“When the full semester kicked off at the end of January, none of our students or staff were able to track where the buses were,” explained George Volz, Director of Transportation.

The university needed a replacement system that could provide live tracking quickly, integrate its automated passenger counters (APCs) in a way that preserved the university’s earlier investment, and improve accessibility with onboard announcements.

“We answer to our students and their transportation fees, so we’re always looking out for their dollar,” Volz added. Preserving existing hardware while upgrading the rider experience was critical.

The ETA Transit Solution

ETA Transit delivered a comprehensive technology suite that met Stony Brook’s tight timeline and demanding requirements:

• CAD/AVL real-time tracking via the SPOT® app, giving riders live locations and arrival times.
• Automated Passenger Counter integration for precise ridership reporting that also protected prior APC investments.
• Automatic voice announcements to enhance accessibility and onboard communication.
• Bus occupancy indicators so passengers can see how full a bus is before boarding.

“ETA had all the things we were looking for, plus many peripherals we could add down the line,” said Volz.

Rollout & Implementation

With students eager for service and pressure mounting, Stony Brook issued an RFP that demanded a rapid deployment. ETA accepted the challenge. “The project team was fantastic—very responsive. They accepted the challenge of completing this in the window they knew we needed,” said Volz.

Results & Impact

The ETA Transit system quickly restored confidence and convenience across campus:

• Real-time GPS tracking allows riders to plan their trips, reducing wait times and uncertainty.
• Occupancy visibility helps students choose less crowded buses during peak hours.
• Accurate ridership data enables better planning, route optimization, and funding accountability.
• Integration of existing APC hardware preserved approximately $34,000 in equipment investments.