The Wolfline Bus System proves an invaluable service for many students and continues to improve in quality with the introduction of an online tracking system and new environmentally friendly buses. Officials are now turning their attention to specific problems associated with the Werewolf night service where they hope to address problems like time delays and unsafe bus stops.

These are problems that are difficult to solve to the satisfaction of everybody. But there are some steps the University and student bus patrons can take in the meantime to improve conditions. Only through a careful cooperative effort can safety and efficiency be secured.

It is unrealistic to expect transportation to increase the number of buses on the Werewolf routes — relatively few riders utilize these services and adding more buses would be a waste of student funds. Instead, the University needs to reconsider the routes and ensure that they best represent the needs of night riders. If money is a chief concern, we do not need to pay for the bus to take a path that few people use.

In an effort to reduce the number of poorly lit, out-of-the-way detours, officials are considering consolidating the number of Werewolf bus stops. This is a wise move that will undoubtedly improve both safety and speed for bus riders. Individuals waiting at night in a dark area are an easy target for criminals. If the bus only stops in well-lit, secure areas, this will reduce the risk of people being targeted.

The online Transit Visualization System is a tool that students can use to ensure safety and convenience when traveling at night. Using this method, students can see exactly when their bus will pass by and thus be able decrease the time they have to wait outside. If students simply employ the resources already available through the University, their quality of service will be greatly improved.

Around 80 percent of the funds for the Wolfline bus system come from student funds, so it is important that whatever plan is devised caters specifically to that constituency. The Department of Transportation needs to continue to accept input from the student body, like with the recent volunteer survey conducted among Werewolf users.

Accordingly, students need to be proactive and contact administrative officials to make sure their complaints are heard.