[Published June 14, 2023]

A shout-out to the Stanford Marguerite Operations team for their flawless execution of the one-year pilot relaunch of the Shopping Express. With an extremely tight timeline, the operations team snapped to work and launched the service just three weeks after the pilot was approved.  During the first weekend, 975 passengers rode the line. Since the smooth launch weekend, ridership has remained consistent. In May, 3,870 passengers rode the Shopping Express.

Ecstatic Reactions

The Stanford community couldn’t be happier, particularly graduate students who rallied for the return. They appreciate the opportunity to purchase groceries and other necessities at a lower price than at the campus market. “The Shopping Express cuts down on the need for online shopping, and also, it’s just nice to be able to get off campus,” said Febie Lin.

When she heard the news, Stephanie Castaneda Perez said she felt “ecstatic. I messaged my friends about it right away.”

Gianna Uyemura expressed appreciation that the Shopping Express provides transport to stores like Walmart, Kohl’s, and Target that are out of walking and biking distance. “It provides a way to explore and connect with the community without spending large amounts of money. The best part? It's available on the weekend!”

Life is Sweet

Indeed, the Shopping Express operates Friday afternoons and evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays, running hourly between Palo Alto Transit Center, the Stanford campus, and San Antonio Shopping Center. It has opened up options for grad student Alissa Bandalene. “As a wheelchair user, I can’t access affordable stores easily as I cannot drive, so the Shopping Express really creates a new avenue,” she said. Along with purchasing essentials from big box stores, she loves to stop off at Crumbl. Her go-to is the Sugar Cookie with pink icing, in case you were wondering.

Aspiring skateboarder Emily Shin has found something equally as delicious in the line’s return. “It's much easier to get to the skatepark near campus now, so I get to practice a hobby I like.”