WeDriveU is proud to partner with a global lifestyle brand to launch the Circulator, a new shuttle system at one of our locations in the Pacific Northwest, designed to keep its workplace moving with speed, efficiency, and purpose. Serving thousands of employees each month, the system connects people seamlessly across the company’s headquarters campus.

Think of it as the campus heartbeat on wheels: five shuttles running continuously from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., connecting employees to five key stops across campus and a nearby transit hub. With wait times of no more than five minutes, the Circulator is redefining how employees move across the workplace. Whether heading to a meeting, arriving from the city, or traveling between buildings, the Circulator ensures a fast, easy, and reliable ride.

It’s delivering on its promise of reducing parking congestion, encouraging public transit use, and providing a reliable link across a large, dynamic campus.

Why the Change?

The customer’s leadership wanted something bold and fresh — a more streamlined and accessible evolution of its existing on-demand system. The Circulator represents that step forward:

• More efficient: A single, streamlined “mega route” that scales as employees return in larger numbers.
• More sustainable: Larger vehicles, more shared rides, fewer cars in parking lots.
• More connected: Every stop is within a short walk of key campus buildings and common areas.

“The Circulator is designed to keep our campus moving efficiently,” explains Landon Lopez, General Manager at WeDriveU. “From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., five shuttles connect a central transit station with key campus stops, so employees are never more than a short walk or a five-minute wait from a ride.”

Lopez added that this system is about more than just logistics; it’s about progress:

“Since 2016, the company has partnered with WeDriveU to offer both on-demand and fixed-route services. We’ve now consolidated those into a single, larger service that begins at one transit hub and connects employees directly to campus hubs.”

By consolidating routes into a single “mega-route,” the customer and WeDriveU aim to encourage public transit use, reduce parking pressure, and support a greener campus.

Designed for Growth

Since its recent rollout, the Circulator has quickly proven its value, averaging thousands of riders each month. Its smart two-part design, with some shuttles focused on the transit connection and others looping the campus, means both commuters and employees already on-site get where they need to go without missing a beat.

Even more importantly, the system is built to scale. As more employees return to campus full time, the Circulator can increase ridership without compromising speed or reliability.

Powered by People

Behind the polished service are the drivers who bring it to life, and none are more familiar to the riders than Tom Mannen, WeDriveU’s most senior driver at this location. Tom has been with WeDriveU since 2016, but his connection to this campus goes back nearly 20 years, having driven for the company that held the contract before WeDriveU.

“I really liked what the company was all about, and it was a no-brainer for me to go ahead,” Tom said, regarding joining WeDriveU.

Over the years, Tom has become a familiar face. Recognizable by his trademark cowboy hat, he’s known to employees simply as “Cowboy Tom.”

“They all recognize me by my cowboy hat,” he laughs. “When I started, they offered me a baseball cap, but I insisted on my cowboy hat. Eventually, they let me add a pin with the company logo, and the nickname stuck.”

For Tom, driving isn’t just about moving people. He’s proud of the relationships he builds with riders, the friendliness he shares, and the professionalism he brings every day.

“Our job is more than just driving; it’s about treating everyone with respect and bringing a bit of lightheartedness to the ride. Sometimes I joke with passengers about luggage, like, ‘Extra charge for freight!’. Then I quickly reassure them, ‘Just kidding, today’s on the house!’”

Joining him is Rui Quintas, a shining example of growth and ambition (Editor’s note: Rui also won a Frontline Hero award from WeDriveU in 2024). After years as an on-demand driver, Ruy transitioned into a commercial driver license (CDL) role with WeDriveU’s training, stepping up to serve the Circulator and ensure seamless campus transportation.

Rui says. “Even though it’s the same company and I work with the same people, it feels like a new business. I’m still learning, but I love what I’m doing.”

Rui emphasizes that strong leadership is at the heart of the Circulator’s success, adding:

“A great boss truly defines your experience. Landon invests in our development: the CDL training, time, patience. It’s not easy, but it makes all the difference.”

Together, Tom and Rui show that the Circulator isn’t just efficient and modern, it’s also deeply human. It runs on knowledge, dedication, humor, and heart.

Looking Ahead

The Circulator’s future is based on building awareness and growing ridership. Already, it’s delivering on its promise: reducing parking congestion, encouraging public transit use, and providing a reliable link across a large, dynamic campus. For now, it remains an essential service that not only keeps people moving but also reflects the company’s culture of innovation and community.

Let’s Connect

Like to reimagine mobility at your workplace or campus with professionally-managed shuttles connecting your facilities and transit hubs? We’d love to brainstorm ways to achieve your vision. Explore WeDriveU transportation solutions for employers and universities.