LA Swift, one of Louisiana’s largest public transportation systems, has served as an affordable and convenient means for passengers to travel to New Orleans for more than four years.The bus system began on Oct. 31, 2005 “in an attempt to bring much needed workers back into the devastated New Orleans area after Hurricane Katrina,” according to a news release from LA Swift.For a $5.00 per ride fee, the system now provides a means of commuting for more than 1,000 people each month.A 2009 LA Department of Transportation study showed two-thirds of LA Swift riders reported they “use LA Swift to regularly commute to school, work or to medical appointments.””It’s really a vital service,” said Meri Maurer, Account Executive for LA Swift at Hoffman/Miller Advertising.Maurer said not only have Louisiana residents come forth to testify the buses are necessary for their commute to school and work, but it’s also a safe and affordable means for college students to travel.Blake Saale, digital art sophomore, said he has taken advantage of the cheap ride despite having his own vehicle and he’s has heard of other University students doing the same.”You can’t beat how cheap it is compared to how much you would spend on gas, and they’re really nice buses,” Saale said.LA Swift is an initiative of the Louisiana Recovery Authority, a private partnership between the State of Louisiana and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, and is operated by Hotard Coaches Inc. More than 500,000 people have experienced the one-hour commute in the buses specifically designed to ensure comfort, according to the news release.LA Swift’s buses feature captain’s chairs, flat-screen televisions and wireless Internet. Riders may board and exit in Baton Rouge, Sorrento, LaPlace and New Orleans.The system recently reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 90 percent, according to the release. It has also won the title of the most cost-efficient transportation service in the state.The system has earned the Outstanding Service Award, Transportation Excellence Award and the Connecting Communities Award.