Rob Maroney Bringing Bigger and Better Things to VCU

By Shay Kazi

Rob Maroney could not be more pleased with Virginia Commonwealth University's RamSafe buses. While the new automated system has improved service, his favorite aspect of the system is the people who manage it.

“Our drivers and dispatchers do an incredible job for us providing outstanding customer service under pretty stressful and demanding conditions,” he said.

As director of VCU Parking and Transportation Services, Maroney has introduced several initiatives to help improve the community, and he has several more in the works. The RamSafe program has proved especially popular among students.

RamSafe — a free transportation service offering students, staff and faculty a safe way to get around campus — launched in December, one month after the launch of RamRide, a fleet of high-tech buses.

Not only do the new escort buses show a splash of VCU pride but, “the new system has done a great job at increasing safety throughout the community,” said Maroney. “I think it says a lot about the university and our commitment to providing safe and reliable transportation for students, faculty and staff. The RamSafe system is a significant investment and requires quite an effort to manage.”

Maroney came to VCU in September with more than a decade of experience in operations, management and consulting. After graduating from the College of William and Mary with a double major in government and fine arts, he began working in public administration and local government. That led him to the parking industry in Norfolk, where he directed one of the largest city-owned and operated parking systems on the East Coast. In 2002, he became the assistant director of finance and business services in Norfolk. Most recently, Maroney was a senior parking consultant with Walter P Moore.

Maroney, who is also vice president of the Parking Association for the Virginias, has received multiple awards from regional and national parking and transportation associations, including the Award Merit for the design of the 7th and Franklin Garage in Richmond, presented by the International Parking Institute.

Maroney is constantly eyeing new technologies that will allow the university to operate more efficiently while also promoting security around campus.

“Safety is always our top priority for parking and transportation and we are currently exploring several initiatives,” said Maroney.

To keep up with VCU's fast growth, Parking and Transportation Services is purchasing new RamSafe buses that will be in service by the end of the year. Its staff also has been working to improve services.

New initiatives include expanding the security camera system and improving the lighting and access control in campus parking facilities. Hourly pay-by-space meters have been installed around campus to offer more short-term parking solutions for students, faculty and staff in response to new parking restrictions in the area.

“While we have made significant improvements over the last few months we have a lot more in store,” Maroney said.