Ohio State Director Tom Holman Manages 4.5 Million Annual Rides
The former student driver now leads a transit system that has expanded from 16 buses to a multi-modal network with real-time tracking.
By Rafael Bailey ·
Tom Holman has moved from driving a 1969 bus as a freshman to directing one of the largest campus transit systems in the country.
He now oversees Ohio State’s Transportation and Traffic Management department. The system handles more than 4.5 million rides per year. It features nine bus lines, real-time tracking, and on-demand services.
In 1996, when Holman started driving, the campus fleet consisted of roughly 16 buses. The department employed about 15 full-time drivers and 50 student drivers. Most service focused on moving people from remote parking lots on West Campus to the main area.
Holman noted that inter-campus movement was not a priority at the time. "People pretty much walked," he said. Students relied on paper maps and printed schedules. The idea of taking a bus to class was rare.
Holman began his career in the music education program but switched to transportation. He cited flexible scheduling and growth opportunities as reasons to stay. He progressed from student trainer to operations supervisor and then to full-time shift supervisor in June 2000.
His roles expanded over the next two decades. He served as safety and training coordinator, then manager of Campus Area Bus Service. He became associate director, leading fleet and repair operations. In January 2023, he was named director of Transportation and Traffic Management.
Amy Burgess, associate vice president at the Office of Administration and Planning, described Holman’s tenure as a "remarkable story of commitment to Ohio State." She said his firsthand experience shapes his approach to supporting student life. Burgess noted that Holman is "always seeking new and innovative ways" to improve service. This includes CABS On-Demand, Lyft Ride Smart, and electric bikes and scooters.
Holman has pushed for digital tools to give riders real-time information. "Students today expect access to information in real time as much as possible," he said. He remains focused on the student connection. "It’s the students, by far," he said regarding the most rewarding part of the job.
