Bronco Bus keeps truckin' to S.F.
By Chris O'Connell
More than 90 Santa Clara students utilized the university's periodical shuttle service to San Francisco earlier this month on its first trip this academic year.
"The trip to San Francisco was awesome," said freshman Katy Lackey.
"I definitely plan on using the [shuttle] again. It was easy to take, enjoyable to ride, and it was nice not to have to worry about getting to or around the city."
The Bronco Bus, a shuttle service that started last spring, runs twice each quarter. The service picks students up on Market Street, between Benson Center and Swig Hall, and delivers them to Union Square in the heart of San Francisco's shopping district. The bus runs four times, picking up students throughout the day. The first leg leaves for San Francisco at 11 a.m. and the last bus returns for campus at 2 a.m.
"What's great about the Bronco Bus is that it's not a tour; it's a shuttle," said senior class president Mike Olcese, who helped form the program last spring.
"You can visit the spots that you want to visit." Olcese
"We are really pleased we've gotten great responses," said
Presidential Fellow and organizer of the Bronco Bus, David Thompson.
"The program is committed for the next school year. I think it's a good opportunity for the students, especially since Caltrain no longer runs on the weekends."
The Bronco Bus has also received affirmations from the administration.
In fact, a class in the Unity Residential Learning Community is planning a field trip later this year to Angel Island through the Bronco Bus.
Thompson advertises the trips through student e-mail, Benson table flyers, posters, and word of mouth. Although half of the funding for the shuttle comes from the $7 dollar ticket price, there is only enough money for the program to operate two to three times each quarter.
Thompson stressed the importance of the students' role in the program. Post-trip survey forms were passed out to the passengers on the return drive. The surveys ask about the quality of the experience, the fare, and how to improve the service.
Last spring the program included a shuttle to downtown San Jose. The route was far less popular than the San Francisco trip and was dropped.
However, Thompson said he wants to expand the bus itinerary. He plans to add a spring outing to Santa Cruz. He said he hopes the Activities Programming Board can help organize surfing lessons for any of the passengers interested.
"Bronco Bus provides students with an excellent opportunity to get off campus, get to know each other, and to explore the wonderful sights and culture in the Bay Area," said Thompson.