TigerTransit: Princeton University's Campus Shuttle System
TigerTransit is the comprehensive shuttle bus service provided by Princeton University. Serving the university campuses and surrounding neighborhoods within Mercer County, New Jersey, this system ensures seamless mobility for students, faculty, staff, and the general public. Operated by WeDriveU since February 2021, the service integrates various routes to connect academic hubs, residential areas, and key transit points.
The system is designed for accessibility and sustainability, offering free transportation across nine distinct routes. Whether commuting to the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory or heading to local shopping centers on the weekend, TigerTransit provides a vital link between the university and the broader Princeton community.
Key Facts
- Cost: All routes are free of charge and open to the public.
- Operator: Managed by WeDriveU (since 2021).
- Fleet Size: 23 vehicles, consisting of 17 full-sized buses and 6 cutaways (smaller shuttle buses).
- Sustainability: Transitioning to a fully electric fleet to reduce environmental impact.
- Coverage: Operates across Princeton University campuses and surrounding Mercer County areas.
Route Structure and Schedules
TigerTransit organizes its services into three primary categories based on the time of day and day of the week: weekday daytime routes, late-night services, and weekend-only options.
Weekday Daytime Routes (Routes 1-4)
These core routes operate Monday through Friday, primarily between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM. They connect major landmarks such as the Graduate College, Stadium Drive Garage, and the Forrestal Campus. Notably, Route 4 provides a critical link to Princeton Junction, serving as an alternative to the Princeton Branch.
Late-Night and Weekend Services
To ensure safety and accessibility after hours, routes N5 and N6 provide daily late-night service from 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM. On weekends, routes W5 and W6 operate from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
A specialized service known as the Weekend Shopper (WS) operates Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This route extends beyond the campus to provide access to shopping centers along US-1, including the Square at West Windsor, Mercer on One, and Nassau Park Pavilion.
Detailed Route Directory (Spring 2025)
| Route | Name/Destination | Key Areas Served | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grad College to Stadium Drive | Faculty Rd, Washington Rd | Weekdays 7am–10pm |
| 2 | Lawrence/Lakeside to EQuad | Friend Center, Lawrence Apartments | Weekdays 7am–10pm |
| 3 | Merrick to Forrestal/PPPL | Nassau St, Washington Rd, US-1 | Weekdays 7am–7pm |
| 4 | Princeton Junction to Meadows | Stockton St, Alexander St, Princeton Station | Weekdays 7am–10pm |
| N5/N6 | Late Night Service | Various (Friend Center, Yeh College, etc.) | Daily 10pm–3am |
| W5/W6 | Weekend Service | Various (Friend Center, Princeton Station) | Weekends 9am–10pm |
| WS | Weekend Shopper | US-1 Shopping Centers, West Windsor | Weekends 9am–5pm |
Fleet and Environmental Transition
The TigerTransit fleet is currently undergoing a significant modernization process. Following the transition from First Transit to WeDriveU in 2021, the university began replacing older diesel and gasoline vehicles with eco-friendly alternatives.
The current active fleet includes NFI XE35 CHARGE NG fully electric buses, which replaced the previous New Flyer D40LF models. Additionally, the fleet utilizes Ford E-450 gasoline cutaways. To further its commitment to net-zero goals, the university has ordered new Ford E-450 Lightning eMotor electric cutaways, expected to enter service in 2025 to replace the remaining gasoline-powered shuttles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TigerTransit free for non-students?
Yes, all TigerTransit routes are free of charge and are open to the general public.
How do I get to the shopping centers on the weekend?
You can use the Weekend Shopper (WS) route, which operates Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, serving locations like the Square at West Windsor and Nassau Park Pavilion.
Are there buses available after midnight?
Yes, the late-night routes N5 and N6 operate daily from 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM to provide safe transportation across campus.
What is the current status of the fleet's fuel type?
The fleet is transitioning to electric power. While some gasoline Ford cutaways remain, the main transit buses are now fully electric NFI XE35 CHARGE NG models, with more electric cutaways arriving in 2025.
Does TigerTransit connect to the train station?
Yes, multiple routes, including Route 4 and the late-night/weekend services, provide access to Princeton Station and Princeton Junction.