Since its launch in fall 2024, Auxiliary Services’ Airport Shuttle Initiative has helped out-of-state students secure over 3,000 discounted rides to and from the Atlanta airport for Thanksgiving and winter break. The combined savings have totaled more than $30,000.
Through a partnership with Groome Transportation and funding from the Office of the President, the Airport Shuttle Initiative provides out-of-state students a $20 roundtrip discount for shuttle service to and from Hartsfield-Jackson International.
The initiative was inspired by a request from the Student Government Association and was piloted during the 2024 Thanksgiving break. Overall, 1,169 students took advantage of the discount in the 2024-2025 academic year for Thanksgiving and winter break travel.
This year, 1,918 students participated in the initiative, an increase of 64%.
“Getting home for the holidays can be a challenge for out-of-state students, and we are so grateful for UGA stepping in to ease that burden,” said Student Government Association President John Neely. “Auxiliary Services has been a thoughtful and responsive partner in keeping student needs front and center.”
The initiative received the 2025 Outstanding Collaboration/Partnership Award from the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS) South Region.
“The Airport Shuttle Initiative aligns directly with Auxiliary Services’ goal to promote student success beyond the classroom,” said Associate Vice President for Auxiliary Services BrettJackson. “Relieving some of the financial strain of traveling over the holidays for our out-of-state students has been well worth the effort. We’re grateful to President Morehead and Groome Transportation for their continued support of this initiative.”
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By Rebecca Vander Plaats