American Coach Lines to provide SCAD transportation services

By: Colleen Pringle

Published: Friday, November 17, 2006

The Savannah College of Art and Design signed an agreement with American Coach Lines to provide transportation services to students in Savannah and Atlanta beginning winter quarter 2007.

According to James Polychrones, who oversees the SCAD transportation department, the college made the decision to shift to American Coach Lines in order to continue to provide a high level of flexibility and service to students.

“The number of SCAD students requiring transportation is growing and, after interviewing several companies, we felt American Coach Lines would best serve the expanding needs of the college,” said Polychrones. “The company will hire our existing employees and, as a result, will have a fully staffed facility to handle transportation maintenance and repairs, as well as better purchasing power in addressing the future replacement of buses.”

American Coach Lines’ services have been utilized by SCAD-Atlanta through fall quarter 2006. The company has demonstrated a positive reputation as a reliable transportation services provider.

Falishia Wilson, manager of SCAD transportation and parking services, will transfer to American Coach Lines as general manager. “I believe that the transition is positive and will produce fine results,” Wilson said. “I am pleased to have the opportunity to continue to assist the college with its mission to students, while I become a part of a new family at American Coach Lines. SCAD will continue to be the original family that supported me and gave me the skills necessary to be successful in this endeavor.”

The phone number for special requests and medical transportation from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. will remain (912) 525-8015. After 5 p.m., calls for medical transports should be directed to (912) 525-7433. For late-night shuttle and regular bus schedule questions call (912) 525-RIDE (7433). A SCAD transportation liaison will be appointed to work with American Coach Lines to coordinate college transportation needs and requests.

Bus routes and schedules will remain the same, and students should experience little change in bus service. Schedules still will be available each quarter at various locations, including the Turner Express Office, 302 W. Boundary St., and the office of transportation and parking services, Lathrop Hall, 22 E. Lathrop St. Schedules may also be accessed online or via phone at (912) 525-7293. Additional information will be posted online as it becomes available.

Pringle is assistant director of communications.