The Stanford Free Shuttle, also known as the Marguerite Shuttle, is a free public shuttle service that operates on and around the Stanford University campus in Stanford, California. The shuttle service is provided by Stanford University's Transportation Services department and is designed to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainability on campus. The Marguerite Shuttle is named after Marguerite, the official nickname of Stanford University, which is derived from the name of Leland Stanford's wife, Jane Lathrop Stanford's, horse.
History and Development
The Marguerite Shuttle service was first introduced in 1976 with a fleet of 10 buses and has since grown to become one of the largest and most popular transportation services in the region. Over the years, the shuttle service has undergone significant expansions and upgrades, including the introduction of new routes, increased frequency of service, and the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles. Today, the Marguerite Shuttle operates a fleet of over 80 buses, including hybrid and electric vehicles, and provides transportation to over 5 million passengers annually.
Routes and Schedules
The Marguerite Shuttle operates on a network of routes that connect various locations on and around the Stanford University campus, including academic buildings, research centers, student housing, and nearby residential areas. The shuttle service operates on a fixed schedule, with buses running at frequent intervals throughout the day, Monday through Friday. There are also limited service hours on weekends and holidays. The routes and schedules are designed to meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff, as well as visitors and community members. Some of the most popular routes include the Line P route, which connects the Palo Alto Transit Center to the Stanford University campus, and the Line S route, which provides service to the Stanford Research Park.
| Route | Destination | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Line P | Palo Alto Transit Center to Stanford University Campus | Every 10-15 minutes |
| Line S | Stanford Research Park | Every 20-30 minutes |
| Line X | Express service from Palo Alto Transit Center to Stanford University Campus | Every 30-60 minutes |
Features and Amenities
The Marguerite Shuttle service offers a range of features and amenities that make it a convenient and comfortable transportation option. Some of the features include Wi-Fi connectivity on board, real-time arrival information available through the Transit app, and bicycle racks on select buses. The shuttle service also provides accessible vehicles with wheelchair ramps and securement systems to accommodate passengers with disabilities.
Sustainability Initiatives
The Marguerite Shuttle service is committed to sustainability and has implemented a range of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. Some of the sustainability initiatives include the use of hybrid and electric vehicles, which reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, and the implementation of idle reduction technologies, which reduce fuel consumption and emissions when buses are stopped. The shuttle service also participates in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s Spare the Air program, which encourages people to use public transportation and reduce their carbon footprint.
The Marguerite Shuttle service also provides a range of resources and information to help passengers plan their trips and reduce their environmental impact. Some of the resources include a trip planner tool available on the Stanford University Transportation Services website, which allows passengers to plan their trips and track their carbon footprint, and a carpool matching program, which connects passengers with similar commute routes and schedules.
How often do the Marguerite Shuttle buses run?
+The Marguerite Shuttle buses run at frequent intervals throughout the day, Monday through Friday, with limited service hours on weekends and holidays. The exact schedule varies depending on the route and time of day, but buses typically run every 10-30 minutes.
Can I bring my bike on the Marguerite Shuttle?
+Yes, the Marguerite Shuttle provides bicycle racks on select buses, which can accommodate up to two bicycles per bus. However, space is limited, and bicycles are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Is the Marguerite Shuttle service accessible for passengers with disabilities?
+Yes, the Marguerite Shuttle service provides accessible vehicles with wheelchair ramps and securement systems to accommodate passengers with disabilities. Passengers with disabilities can also request accommodations in advance by contacting the Stanford University Transportation Services department.
