University of Alabama Selects New Transit Contractor
Groome Transportation will take over campus transit services as current provider First Transit prepares to exit.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Jobs — General
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The University of Alabama has named Richmond-based Groome Transportation as its new transit services provider following a competitive procurement process. The change results in the upcoming closure of First Transit Inc. operations in Tuscaloosa.
Why it matters
The transition ensures continued campus transit operations after a competitive bidding process concluded. The shift marks a significant change for the current workforce and university logistics.
The closure of First Transit impacts 88 employees in Tuscaloosa. This represents a portion of the 2,600 total employees affected by layoffs across Alabama in 2026.
The players
University of Alabama
A public research university located in Tuscaloosa that manages its own campus transit and logistics.
Groome Transportation
A Richmond, Virginia-based transportation company providing shuttle and transit services.
First Transit Inc.
A transit management company currently ending its contract and local operations in Tuscaloosa.
The details
Groome Transportation has committed to offering positions to qualified drivers, supervisors, and maintenance technicians currently working for First Transit. The changeover follows an official WARN notice filed by the outgoing provider.
Timeline
October 2026: First Transit filed a WARN notice with the state.
December 2026: First Transit will cease all operations in Tuscaloosa.
Market Landscape
This transition follows the formal requirements of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. It highlights the shifting nature of campus logistics as institutions move between specialized transit providers.
Students and faculty should expect consistent service as the university integrates its new provider. Staff members currently employed by the outgoing transit firm are being prioritized for roles under the incoming company.
The takeaway
Large-scale contract transitions involve complex staffing shifts that directly affect local workforces. Employees in impacted roles should review the employment offers presented by the new contractor as they become available.
Further reading
For more information on the regional labor market, visit Jobs — General.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Al.
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