Connect

UVA Parking and Transportation, and UVA Health University Medical Center Hospitality and Support Services, have launched "Next Stop, Better" — a new program brightening team members' ride to work and raising awareness of commuter options! After all, parking is a top concern for many team members — and remains a top priority for leadership as part of our strategic plan key initiative of Best Place to Work, and goal of Strengthening Our Foundation by supporting infrastructure to make it easier for our teams to provide care.

Since March 9, Blue and Red bus lines have been combined into a single Purple Line connecting all University Medical Center UTS bus stops to Scott Stadium and the new Fontaine Research Park Garage. With a single line serving both locations, team members can catch any Purple Line bus at the end of the day to take you back to your vehicle at Scott Stadium or Fontaine Garage. Team members who arrive at 7 a.m. or later have moved their cars from the Emmet/Ivy Garage to the new Fontaine Research Park Garage at 1055 Natural Resources Drive.

Pop Ups

But we haven't forgotten about fun! "Next Stop, Better" teams from UVA Parking and Transportation and UVA Health University Medical Center Hospitality and Support Services teams are holding pop-up events to hand out snacks, flyers, and sometimes even passes for one-month of closer-in parking at the South Garage on Crispell Drive!

Teams delivered popcorn and flyers at Emmet/Ivy Garage on three consecutive Wednesday afternoons: Feb. 18 and 25, and March 4. Then they handed out pastries and flyers on Thursday, March 5; and pastries, hot chocolate, and flyers on March 9: the launch of the Purple Line. Check out the photos and smiles:

Be on the lookout for more of these events, continuing monthly with other surprise giveaways such as drink cards and small items related to commuting, and fun activities on UVA Transit buses.

Showing Appreciation

"Every day, thousands of team members make their way to University Medical Center to care for our patients and support one another, and we recognize their day really begins with the commute," says Shenia W. Thompson, MBA, MHA, interim Chief Operating Officer, UVA Health University Medical Center; Safety and Security Liaison; and Administrator, UVA Health University Medical Center Hospitality and Support Services. "‘Next Stop, Better’ is our way of showing appreciation for that commitment by helping make the commute a little easier and more informed. We know parking and transportation haven’t always been easy, and while we can’t build a new close-in garage overnight, our team has never been more committed to improving the experience and taking meaningful action to make each 'Next Stop, Better!'"

Offering Options

"This campaign is really about helping people navigate their commute," explains Scott Silsdorf, PTMP, Executive Director, UVA Parking and Transportation. "With so many team members working at University Medical Center, parking close by isn’t an option for everyone — but there are other ways to get to work that can be convenient and feel good, too! One great example is the Wahoo Commute program. Through 'Next Stop, Better' — we’re sharing information, answering questions, and adding a few fun rewards and surprises along the way to make the commute a little brighter. We know we won’t be able to meet every need — but we’re listening, learning, and always happy to help! I've enjoyed my commute conversations with team members, and look forward to working together to implement improvements."