The UMSL mobile app includes various UMSL news, MyGateway, dining and safety features and includes a new live-tracking shuttle map. (Photo by August Jennewein)
Keeping up with the latest University of Missouri–St. Louis news and information has been a finger tap away since 2012 when the UMSL mobile app launched. Now the app will also help students better traverse campus.
The app’s newest feature is the inclusion of a live-tracking shuttle map, which will replace the paper schedules. Jessica Long-Pease, director of the Office of Student Life, said the map derived from students’ desire for greater shuttle stop accuracy.
“Their feedback (via the UMSL Shuttle Solutions Committee) was that the previous paper schedule was difficult to read, the shuttles weren’t making it to the stops at the times listed and the inconsistencies made it challenging for them to plan their routes on campus,” she said.
Information Technology Services collaborated on the new app feature with the Shuttle Solutions Committee, UMSL Parking and Transportation, and St. Louis Transportation. Using GPS technology, the map reveals the locations of active shuttles in real time.
“The live-tracking shuttle map gives students the ability to see where the shuttle is on campus, locate the quickest access point to its services and determine at a glance what the best option for their travel will be,” Long-Pease said.
A forthcoming update to the app will include each shuttle’s estimated time of arrival. Shuttle stop frequency varies based on time of day:
- Every eight minutes during day classes Monday through Thursday
- Every 30 minutes during evening classes Monday through Thursday
- Every 15 minutes during Friday day classes
Shuttles are available from 7:30 a.m. through midnight Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays.
In addition to the live-tracking shuttle map, the latest version of the UMSL mobile app brings back numerous favorite features. Students can access MyGateway to view class schedules, instructor postings and grades.
Looking for lunch or to sate your sweet tooth? A dining module shows what campus food options are open right this minute.
Users will also be able to keep up with all of the latest UMSL news with quick access to UMSL Daily, The Current, UMSL Tritons news, The U, St. Louis Public Radio and more.
