LINCOLN, Neb. — Pronto Corporation has launched a new shuttle network for University of Nebraska football games, replacing Lincoln’s longtime Big Red Express while adding intercity service from five Nebraska cities.
The San Jose, California-based transportation company will provide game-day service between Memorial Stadium and four satellite parking lots in Lincoln. It is also offering intercity shuttles from Omaha, Kearney, Grand Island, Norfolk and Columbus.
The move marks a shift from a public transit-operated special-event service to a private transportation model built around advance reservations, guaranteed seats and demand-responsive scheduling.
Pronto, Lincoln’s StarTran transit system and the city are coordinating the transition from Big Red Express.
“We are proud to have offered the Big Red Express to Husker fans for more than 45 years,” said Elizabeth Elliott, director of Lincoln Transportation and Utilities for the city of Lincoln. “Today, there is an opportunity to begin a new tradition. iPronto will manage transportation services this season.”
The new service begins with Nebraska home games Sept. 5 and 12. Pronto says schedules for the Sept. 19 game will be published by Sept. 4. Schedules for games Oct. 3, Oct. 10, Oct. 31 and Nov. 21 will be released after kickoff times are announced.
Flexibility to meet demand
Fans can reserve guaranteed seats in advance through Pronto’s online platform. Trips to the stadium and postgame return trips are sold separately, allowing riders to purchase only the transportation they need and choose their preferred postgame departure time.
Pronto says the model allows the company to monitor reservations and adjust routes, departure times, vehicles and seating capacity as demand develops.
“We are excited about the opportunity to serve the city of Lincoln and Husker fans and delighted with the warm welcome we have received,” said Kumar Shah, president and CEO of Pronto Corp. Our commitment is to build on StarTran’s strong legacy while delivering a new suite of fan- and demand-responsive services across the state, and to make our mobility solution and broader set of service options available to the Husker fans across Nebraska and other bordering states.”
The intercity routes expand the service beyond Lincoln and target communities with large concentrations of Nebraska season-ticket holders.
“The overall fan experience is a top priority for our Athletics team, and transportation to and from our venues plays a big role in that experience,” said Brandon Meier, deputy athletic director for external relations at Nebraska Athletics. “We are excited about the plan Pronto has developed to expand these services and provide a safe and comfortable transportation alternative for fans to explore.”
Runs NFL shuttle service
The company’s experience with special-event transportation dates to 2010, when it began providing intercity shuttle service for San Francisco 49ers fans. Pronto says it has since provided transportation for more than 100,000 passengers attending concerts, music festivals, golf tournaments, college football games and other events.
“Real-time booking updates allow us to identify demand as it develops and dynamically add routes, departure times, vehicles and seating capacity. Together with the 4,794 transportation providers in our nationwide affiliate network, this gives us the ability to deploy group charter, intercity and last-mile services rapidly wherever they are needed. The Husker shuttle service – launched in just 15 days – demonstrates that capability in action,” Shah said.
The transition also highlights an opportunity for private motorcoach and transportation operators to provide special-event transportation previously handled by public transit agencies.
The Federal Transit Administration’s Charter Service Rule generally limits federally funded transit agencies from providing charter service when qualified private operators are available. Pronto views the Nebraska transition as an example of how private transportation providers can fill that role.
“Nebraska is demonstrating how cities, universities and private transportation providers can work together to deliver on-demand special-event mobility,” Shah said.
The company also says moving more special-event transportation to private operators could allow transit agencies to concentrate resources on regular public transportation.
Pronto is seeking a Lincoln-area resident and Husker fan to serve as a local Pronto ambassador. The person would gather rider feedback, connect with fans at community events and on social media, and help the company develop the service.
