Binghamton University Celebrates Over a Decade with ETA Transit: A Longtime Partnership Powering a Student-Led System

Boca Raton, Florida August 15, 2025 – At Binghamton University in upstate New York, a student-run bus system is delivering professional-grade transit service to thousands of students every day and it’s all made possible by a longtime partner, ETA Transit Systems.

This year marks 11 years of partnership between ETA and Binghamton, a milestone that highlights the university’s commitment to innovation and the long-term value of our collaboration.

The university operates a fleet of 21 buses, including green shuttles that serve the main campus and larger blue buses that transport students to downtown Binghamton, the west side, local apartment complexes, shopping centers, and grocery stores. It’s a critical service, connecting students to classes, housing, jobs, and life around town. What sets this system apart is that it’s entirely managed and operated by students, dispatchers, drivers, and managers alike. To learn more about their specific case, please watch this video.

But running such a complex and vital service comes with challenges, particularly with student turnover and growing demands for reliability, safety, and data-driven decision-making. That’s where ETA stepped in.

Before partnering with ETA, Binghamton’s transit system had unreliable swipe-card readers and no means of tracking buses or analyzing rider data. Once ETA was brought on board, the transformation was immediate and significant. Buses were outfitted with sturdy, reliable ID scanners, and a comprehensive tracking system was put in place. Now, the entire fleet can be monitored in real time, giving dispatchers and passengers access to live location data and performance metrics.

“Having been a customer of ETA’s for the last 10 years, I’m thrilled with all the work they have done for us and looking forward to continuing that, and if you’re a customer that’s looking to have ETA onboard, I would highly suggest them.”- Dave Bush, Binghamton University

“Binghamton University exemplifies how a strong vision and smart technology can empower student leadership and deliver real-world impact,” said John Maglio, CEO of ETA Transit. “After 11 years together, we’re proud to remain a trusted partner in their mission.”

Students use their campus ID cards to board the buses; a process seamlessly integrated with ETA’s system. This allows the university to see not only who is riding, but also to break that data down into categories including freshmen, grad students, faculty, and even dining hall staff. This data is vital when discussing funding contributions with different campus groups. With ETA’s analytics, the university can show exactly who is using the service and how frequently.

The student body has embraced the system. With Binghamton’s unpredictable weather, the ability to check the bus’s location in real time via the SPOT app, powered by ETA, has become a popular and practical feature. Off-campus students can now avoid long waits in the cold or rain and time their departures to coincide with bus arrivals.

ETA’s backend tools have also helped improve safety and accountability. Supervisors can track the speed of each bus and ensure that student drivers are operating responsibly. For a transit system that brings in multiple new drivers every semester, having these tools is crucial. The learning curve for new users is minimal and designed to be intuitive enough for student employees to master quickly.

The relationship between ETA and Binghamton University has lasted over a decade. One of the most valued aspects of that relationship is the consistency in ETA’s customer support. The same people who helped implement the system years ago are still available today. When issues arise or new features are needed, ETA responds quickly and effectively.

What started as a student-led operation has grown into one of the most unique and efficient transit systems in the country, thanks in large part to the tools, technology, and support provided by ETA Transit. The partnership continues to thrive, delivering smart, safe, and reliable service across campus and beyond.

Read more about the Binghamton story in our full case study.

About Binghamton University

Binghamton University is home to one of the most unique and efficient student-run transit systems in the country. Operating a fleet of 21 buses, the university’s transportation service is fully managed by students, dispatchers, drivers, and supervisors who deliver thousands of rides each day. The system connects the main campus with downtown Binghamton, local apartment complexes, shopping centers, and more, playing a vital role in student life. Powered by ETA Transit Systems, Binghamton’s transit program blends grassroots leadership with professional-grade tools, offering real-time tracking, data analytics, and a seamless rider experience that enhances safety, efficiency, and accessibility across the university community.

About ETA Transit Systems

ETA Transit Systems is a leading provider of reliable and innovative transit solutions. We are committed to improving public transportation operations for agencies and passengers alike. Our state-of-the-art technology is designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and the overall transit experience. ETA Transit specializes in CAD/AVL technology to include automatic passenger counting (APC), GTFS and GTFS-RT, traveler information systems, digital display systems for public transit agencies, universities, and other shuttle bus operations across the United States.

In addition to our core CAD/AVL solutions, ETA Transit offers a cloud-based software designed to automate and simplify NTD surveys, making data collection and reporting more efficient for transit agencies.

For more information, visit etatransit.com, email sales@etatransit.com, or call (800) 382-0917.

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