CatawbaGO will provide students, faculty, and staff with a convenient, real-time transportation solution — connecting campus not only internally but also to Salisbury’s local businesses, parks, and cultural hubs. By meeting an immediate need during the College’s largest capital improvement projects in history, CatawbaGO ensures that the Catawba community remains mobile, connected, and engaged.
“CatawbaGO is more than just a way to get around—it’s an innovative, sustainable solution that brings our community closer together,” said Dr. Lee Ball, Vice President of Sustainability and Director of Catawba’s Center for the Environment. “As we invest in the future of our campus, we also want to invest in the daily experience of our students and employees, creating opportunities for exploration, connection, and ease of movement.”
Through the program, Catawba ID holders will have access to:
- Zero-emission rides anywhere within designated routes
- Real-time visualization of vehicles, hours, and routes
- The ability to schedule rides in advance with ease
- Free, unlimited use for students, faculty, and staff
The program is powered in partnership with Slidr, a leader in sustainable rideshare innovation and founded by Catawba alum Michael Trombino, class of 2013.
The CatawbaGO app works similarly to Uber. Three EVs make up Catawba’s rideshare fleet.
The impact of CatawbaGO extends far beyond convenience. By reducing the number of cars on and around campus, the initiative will:
- Ease congestion and reduce parking demand
- Improve air quality and lower emissions
- Promote safer, more connected communities in Salisbury and beyond
“CatawbaGO reflects our commitment to sustainability and innovation, while strengthening our ties to the Rowan-Salisbury community,” said Noah Upchurch, Sustainability Program Director at Catawba College. “This program ensures our students, faculty, and staff can focus on the experiences that matter most—learning, discovery, and connection—without worrying about how to get there. It’s a powerful example of how Good truly goes Far.”
In the first week, CatawbaGO has successfully picked up and dropped off over 500 riders.
By introducing CatawbaGO, Catawba College is once again leading the way in creating a healthier, more sustainable, and more connected campus community.
About Slidr
Slidr is a sustainable transportation solution designed to reduce congestion and make mobility easier, greener, and more accessible. Our 100% electric shuttle services provide first and last-mile connections to mass transit, encourage visitors to park once, and help people avoid using their cars for short trips. By partnering with innovative cities and forward-thinking advertisers, we've provided over 1 million rides without burning any gas. Our commitment to sustainability and community is at the heart of everything we do, offering both eco-friendly, on-demand, and fixed route options that create local jobs and connect communities.
