Changes Come to CSU Bus Route: Shuttle service routes redone, scan cards debut soon

The shuttle system has changed its approach to providing transport to students, especially between campuses. While major bus stops on both campuses have kept their busier times, overall the shuttles will now be running more frequently, especially at night. Rather than the two separate routes from years past, the shuttles now go to all stops on both campuses on one large combined schedule, or loop. Potiphar Alexander, the Bus Operations Manager wanted to “improve service and address overcrowding by having more shuttles running, especially in the evening times.” However, the number of shuttles currently running is noted to be higher than necessary. Alexander has spent several days surveying students and other bus riders since the start of the fall semester to gauge reactions to the recent changes. “Everybody so far has had good comments. This week has been smoother than most weeks in the past,” said Alexander.

Art by Brittney Green

Another upcoming change to the shuttle service is a new scan card system for the campus community as part of a university plan to better track shuttle usage. “Card scanners are being tested for shuttles currently. We hope to have them in use by mid-September,” said Alexander. Card scanning would allow one scan per card roughly every four minutes, which Alexander demonstrated using his own ID and a test-scanner. One issue with the use of card scanners on buses is that CSU “can’t [yet] account for guests,” an issue that the university has not dealt with so far. Alexander went on to mention a possibility of some sort of guest pass for visitors, or at least an administrative scan for drivers when non-CSU riders are present. Despite these challenges, Alexander said that he was adamant that CSU “will not deny transport just because you don’t have a card.” Other schedule changes are being tested, such as how many shuttles should run between campuses in evening hours. “Right now, more shuttles run in the evening than are needed,” said Alexander, adding that the bus system is trying to find the right amount to fit student needs without overusing resources. Currently, three shuttles run at night, while Alexander believes that two would be more effective without overusing gasoline or overworking the drivers. As always, the schedule is posted at shuttle stops as well as online under the student life section of the CSU website.