University of Rochester Transit Loop: Rethinking Access Across Campus
Serving the combined University of Rochester Medical Center and Collegetown Campus requires more than a single point of arrival. With destinations spread across a dense and active district, the challenge was to create a transit solution that meets people where they are and makes getting around easier, safer, and more intuitive.
Instead of a traditional centralized hub, the project introduced a distributed transit loop made up of multiple station sites positioned around the campus. This approach brings transit closer to key destinations, improving access for students, staff, patients, and visitors while supporting more efficient movement throughout the district.
Designing for Convenience, Safety, and Everyday Use
Our team supported the design of six coordinated transit stations, each tailored to its location while maintaining a consistent identity across the system. Two station types were developed to respond to different contexts, one suited for urban conditions and another for campus settings, allowing the system to adapt while remaining cohesive.
Design decisions were shaped through collaboration with stakeholders from RTS, the University, and the development team. The result is a set of stations that prioritize accessibility, visibility, and comfort. Features include ADA-compliant design, enhanced lighting for safety and wayfinding, real-time information systems, covered bicycle storage, and weather protection elements that improve the rider experience throughout the year.
By focusing amenities at key entry points to campus facilities, the system makes transit more convenient and inviting. The result is a network that supports existing riders while encouraging new ones, improving how people move through and experience the campus every day.