Common questions, straight answers.
Everything you need to know about launching and running an electric shuttle program with Slidr.
What is Slidr?
Slidr is a turnkey electric shuttle company that provides fully managed transportation programs for universities, hotels, and communities. Slidr supplies the vehicles, drivers, insurance, maintenance, rider app, dispatch technology, and reporting under a single contract.
How does Slidr's turnkey model work?
Slidr delivers a complete transportation program — not just software or vehicles. One monthly invoice covers the entire operation: an all-electric fleet, trained drivers, commercial insurance, vehicle maintenance, a branded rider app, real-time dispatch, and performance reporting. Organizations avoid the complexity of coordinating multiple vendors and instead work with a single operations partner.
Where does Slidr operate?
Slidr operates electric shuttle programs in Florida, Alabama, Ohio, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Specific locations include Tallahassee FL (Florida State University), Naples FL (Cove Inn), Port St. Lucie FL (Tradition community), St. Leo FL (Saint Leo University), Florence AL (University of North Alabama), Auburn AL (Auburn University), Oberlin OH (Oberlin eBus community transit), Salisbury NC (Catawba College), and expanding into South Carolina.
Which universities use Slidr?
Slidr operates at multiple universities across the United States. Florida State University runs the FSU Safe Ride program. Catawba College in Salisbury NC operates CatawbaGO for campus and community transit. Saint Leo University near Tampa FL runs the Pride Ride program. The University of North Alabama operates Roar Ride. Auburn University has used Slidr for game day shuttles at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Is Slidr a software company or a transportation company?
Neither exclusively — Slidr is a managed transit operator. Unlike software vendors who build apps and hand you the rest, or vehicle dealers who sell EVs and disappear, Slidr operates the full program. That means vehicles, licensed drivers, commercial insurance, maintenance, technology, and a live operations team under one contract. If something goes wrong at 10 PM on a Saturday, you call one number.
How long does it take to launch a Slidr program?
Most programs launch within 45 to 60 days. The timeline depends on whether you need a custom-branded rider app, custom vehicle wraps, or if Slidr is sourcing new vehicles for your program. If vehicles are already in the fleet and a standard app configuration works, launch can happen faster. Slidr handles all the setup: route planning, driver hiring and training, app deployment, vehicle prep, and charging infrastructure. You get a fully operational program without managing the buildout yourself.
What is the difference between on-demand and fixed-route service?
On-demand service works like a ride request — riders choose their pickup and drop-off and a shuttle is dispatched directly to them. Fixed-route service follows a set path with designated stops on a published schedule. Many Slidr programs combine both modes. For example, Catawba College in Salisbury NC and UNA Roar Ride in Florence AL run on-demand service during off-peak hours and fixed routes during high-traffic periods.
Does Slidr handle insurance?
Yes. Commercial auto and general liability insurance is included in every Slidr program. Your organization does not need to procure, manage, or expand its own insurance coverage to operate a shuttle. Slidr carries the policy, and our vehicles and drivers are fully covered from day one. This removes one of the biggest operational and legal burdens that organizations face when trying to run transportation in-house.
What happens if a vehicle breaks down?
Slidr manages all vehicle maintenance and has contingency plans for every deployment. If a vehicle goes down, our operations team coordinates a replacement or backup so service disruption is minimized. Routine maintenance, tire changes, brake service, and charging system upkeep are all handled by Slidr. Your organization never has to deal with a mechanic, a tow truck, or a service appointment.
Can Slidr run event and game-day shuttles?
Yes. Slidr has operated high-capacity event shuttle programs including game days at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL (87,451 capacity). Event programs include scalable fleet deployment, qualified drivers, pickup and drop-off zone management, and real-time operations coordination. Slidr can handle one-off events or integrate event service into a recurring campus or community program.
Do I need charging infrastructure before starting with Slidr?
Not necessarily. Slidr assesses charging needs as part of program design. For properties that lack charging infrastructure, Slidr can advise on installation options and coordinate setup. For low-speed EVs and neighborhood electric vehicles, standard 120V or 240V outlets are often sufficient. The specific charging requirements depend on the vehicle mix and daily mileage of the program.
How do riders request a Slidr shuttle?
Riders request a Slidr shuttle through a branded mobile app available on iOS and Android. For on-demand service, riders enter their pickup and drop-off location and are matched with the nearest available vehicle in real time. For fixed-route service, riders can view live vehicle tracking on a map and see estimated arrival times at each stop.
Can the rider app be custom-branded for our organization?
Yes. The Slidr rider app is white-labeled for every partner. Your app displays your organization's name, colors, and logo — not Slidr branding. Students at Florida State see the FSU Safe Ride app. Guests at the Cove Inn see the property's branded interface. This creates a seamless, on-brand experience that strengthens your organization's identity rather than promoting a third-party platform.
What data and analytics does Slidr provide?
Slidr provides a real-time operations dashboard and detailed ridership reporting. Partners can view trip volume, peak usage windows, average wait times, rides by route or zone, rider retention, and vehicle utilization. Monthly reports are delivered automatically. For universities and communities with sponsor-funded programs, Slidr also tracks sponsor impression data tied to in-app and in-vehicle brand placements.
Does Slidr integrate with our existing systems?
Slidr's platform is self-contained — rider app, dispatch, and reporting are all managed by Slidr. For organizations that need integration with access control systems, event ticketing, or property management software, Slidr evaluates compatibility on a program-by-program basis. Most partners do not require integration and run Slidr independently alongside their existing tools.
How is Slidr priced?
Slidr programs are priced as a fixed monthly service fee that covers vehicles, drivers, insurance, maintenance, technology, and operations. There is no per-ride billing, no surprise invoices, and no hidden fees. The monthly rate is determined by the vehicle mix, operating hours, coverage area, and service model. Most partners receive a custom quote within 48 hours of an initial discovery call.
Do hotels pay for the shuttle service, or do guests pay per ride?
Slidr structures hospitality programs as a dedicated amenity for your property. The hotel pays a fixed monthly service fee that covers the vehicle, driver, insurance, technology, and operations. In return, the property gets an exclusive, branded electric shuttle that connects guests to local dining, shopping, beaches, and attractions. It is not a shared public service — it is your shuttle, with your branding, available only to your guests.
Can Slidr programs be sponsor-funded?
Yes. Slidr operates a sponsor revenue model where local businesses sponsor the shuttle in exchange for in-app and in-vehicle advertising. For communities, downtown programs, and universities, sponsorships can offset a significant portion of the monthly program cost — sometimes covering it entirely. Slidr manages the sponsor relationships, creative execution, and impression reporting so partners do not need to run an ad sales operation.
How flexible are Slidr's contracts?
Slidr offers seasonal, annual, and multi-year agreements. There are no mandatory long-term lockups. Organizations that need to test a program over a summer season can start there. Those that want a fixed multi-year rate for budget planning can lock in pricing. Contract terms are designed around your operating calendar, not a standard vendor template. Slidr also accommodates mid-program adjustments to fleet size or service hours as ridership evolves.
Are there setup or onboarding fees?
Setup costs depend on the scope of customization required. Vehicle wraps, custom app branding, and charging infrastructure installation may carry one-time costs. Slidr is transparent about these during the proposal stage — nothing is bundled into a vague onboarding fee. Many standard deployments can launch with no separate setup charge beyond the first month of service.
What types of electric vehicles does Slidr use?
Slidr is vehicle agnostic. The specific vehicle mix depends on the client and the quality of service they need. Options range from low-speed neighborhood electric vehicles to full-size electric transit vans and shuttle buses. Slidr works with each partner to determine the right vehicles based on ridership volume, route distance, speed requirements, and campus or property layout. Every vehicle in the fleet is 100% electric with zero tailpipe emissions.
Is Slidr 100% electric?
Yes, every vehicle in the Slidr fleet is 100% electric. This includes GEM neighborhood electric vehicles, Tesla and Volkswagen passenger EVs, and Ford E-Transit vans and shuttle buses. Slidr programs produce zero tailpipe emissions, operate with significantly lower noise levels than diesel or gas shuttles, and help partner organizations meet sustainability and carbon reduction goals.
Can vehicles be branded with our logo and colors?
Yes. Custom vehicle wraps are available for all Slidr programs. A branded shuttle is a moving advertisement for your property, campus, or community — and one of the most visible signals of the program's quality. Wrap design is handled by Slidr and typically takes two to three weeks after artwork is finalized. Many partners launch with temporary magnetic signage while permanent wraps are produced.
Does Slidr offer e-bikes and micromobility?
Yes. In addition to shuttle programs, Slidr offers managed e-bike fleets for campuses and communities that need first and last mile connections. Docking station placement, bike maintenance, and app integration are all handled by Slidr. Micromobility programs can run standalone or alongside a shuttle program as a complementary mobility layer.
Bring Slidr to your property.
Book a 15-minute discovery call. We will learn about your location, design a program, and show you exactly what it costs.