Commuter shuttle service: an excuse for laziness?
By Allison Sundaram
A new commuter shuttle designed to encourage the use of public transportation began operating at the beginning of the quarter, offering a new option for commuters but leaving questions about its appropriateness among students.
The shuttle is on a three-month trial period, and is designed to encourage the use of mass-transit options for new and current commuters. Operating costs are $4,500 a month. Shuttle funding comes from the parking auxiliary.
The parking auxiliary account holds the revenue from the purchase of parking permits for on-campus lots, and tickets or fines collected. While not coming out of tuition, the shuttle is being subsidized by on-campus residents, commuter students and faculty and staff who hold campus parking permits. Campus Safety is currently exploring other funding options.
The shuttle was meant to "assist people who are taking mass transit to the university in getting on and off campus in a timely fashion," Campus Safety Director Charlie Arolla said. "Secondly, it was to encourage people to leave their cars home."
Many students are concerned about the shuttle, both for its environmental implications and usefulness.
"It seems irresponsible on our part as a campus committed to aspects of social justice," sophomore James Hanold said.
Currently, the shuttle has approximately 125 riders a week, mostly faculty and staff. Arolla said that number is growing and expects to see more usage as the weather gets colder and rainier.
Until Santa Clara sees more of the county's average 65 days of rain, there are still questions about the shuttle's efficiency. A recent ride-along by a reporter for the 5 p.m. Friday run found only one passenger, who was picked up while walking down The Alameda from Loyola Hall.
The shuttle makes seven stops around campus, beginning at the Arts and Sciences building, and ending at the Caltrain station, on a 1.7-mile route.
On the "express service route," the shuttle takes passengers from Arts and Sciences to the Caltrain station.
"I think it's ridiculous. It's just right across the street," sophomore Caroline Park said.
The trip, which would be a 0.2-mile walk directly, takes an indirect route and loops around the back of campus.
The scheduled times for express service from Arts and Sciences to the Caltrain station are five minutes long. Walking to the Caltrain station is also approximately a 5-minute walk.
The diesel shuttles have approximately 12 to 15 miles per gallon in gas mileage.
According to Wellness Center Health Educator Jeanne Zeamba, an extra walk can be beneficial to one's health.
"Any time that you can get in extra physical activity is good. Extra walking around campus, to and from different locations can really help," she said.
Still, one student was appreciative of the shuttle.
"I think its a good idea to encourage people to take the train," said senior Brooke Jensen. "I wish that more people would know about this."
Contact Allison Sundaram at (408) 554-4546 or asundaram@scu.edu.