Erin Wereskla is used to waiting. She rides the Greek bus route every day back and forth to the Kappa Delta sorority house.
“You can’t count on it,” Wereskla, a fashion merchandising sophomore, said.
Some students rely on other means of transportation in order to avoid riding the Greek bus.
“Most of the time, I end up calling one of my sorority sisters for a ride,” Wereskla said. “Every time you get on the bus, you wait for something. Whether the driver comes back from the bathroom or with a handful of snacks from the vending machine, you have to wait.”
The Greek bus route is causing concern for students while the other bus routes seem to be running smoothly.
According to Gary Graham, parking, traffic and transportation director, the bus drivers are only allotted one break per eight hour shift.
The drivers have alternating lunch breaks as well as small breaks that allow them to use the bathroom or get something to eat or drink.
“Students need to let us know when buses are late,” Graham said. “With 21 buses, it is hard to keep track of all of them.”
According to Graham, the Greek bus is supposed to run every eight minutes, but often takes longer.
However at 4 p.m. Thursday the bus in front of Lockett Hall did not arrive for more than 20 minutes.
On the other hand, many bus drivers think some students are being impatient and not understanding their needs.
“Students don’t understand that we need a break,” said one Greek bus driver who wished to remain anonymous. “It is impossible to drive the same route for eight hours a day with only one 20 minute lunch break. Sometimes, we need to use the restroom, stretch or get some water. It’s for their safety and ours.”
The driver estimated that drivers take between three to five extra breaks depending on the health and age of the driver.
“If I have a bus load of students, I will keep going around,” said the driver. “We understand that students need to get to class, but we have needs too.”
Graham encouraged students to report late buses by calling in the bus number, date, time and location of the infraction.
“I think they are a great way to travel back and forth,” said Ellen Burris, a Delta Gamma senior in psychology. “I don’t think they have enough though. There are a lot of Greeks and only a few buses.”