Pitt signs with new on-campus shuttle provider

Pitt will not renew its contract with on-campus shuttle contractor Lenzner Coach Lines, instead signing with Pittsburgh Transportation Group.

According to University spokesperson Pat McMahon, the University has contracted with Lenzner for more than 20 years to provide on-campus transportation. Pitt paid around $4 million between July 2018 and June 2019, the most recent period where spending records are available. McMahon said Pitt’s new contract with PTG is a multi-year deal, but did not specify the exact length.

Kevin Sheehy, the assistant vice chancellor for auxiliary operations and finance, announced the change at Monday afternoon’s Senate Plant Utilization and Planning Committee meeting. 

“[Lenzner] has been our provider since we started a campus shuttle system,” Sheehy said. “PTG is a big player in the city. They run shuttles for Robert Morris, they do some of UPMC, they do Point Park.”

PTG is currently testing three of its new, propane-fueled vehicles in the University’s shuttle lineup, Sheehy said. PTG’s new, more sustainable models will take over all University shuttle routes beginning July 1.

“[Propane] allows us to get into a more sustainable option, it will drastically decrease the greenhouse gas emissions, which plays right into the University’s carbon neutrality goals,” Sheehy said.

McMahon said Lenzner drivers employed on University shuttle routes will have the opportunity to apply for similar positions with PTG.