UConn Bus Evolution: From Horses to Horsepower to Powering Up

STORRS, CT – University of Connecticut officials last week showcased a new transit bus that is a virtual study hall on wheels.

And it is a far cry from the old ag school horse and buggy.

UConn transit buses have essentially evolved from those horses to horsepower to powering up, a term ROTC students during World War II probably would think referred to a flashlight.

There was once an old Pierce-Arrow students jokingly called the “Black Maria,” a common nickname for police paddy wagons.

Yep, it looked like one, except for the cops with the big hats standing on the running board.

UConn’s bus fleet has improved substantially in style and reliability – and the 10 new vehicles introduced last Thursday represent what university officials have termed, "a significant jump forward into the next generation of high-tech buses."

UConn officials said the buses each have 16 USB ports along with bike racks, “kneeling” technology that lowers the front to help people get on and off more easily, soft blue LED lighting and other technology.

Starting in the next academic year, they’ll also have WiFi service.

Photo Credit UConn/Sean Flynn, UConn Archives