Three larger, more modern mini-buses have replaced the three older vans for Campus Transit service.
Gary Graham, Parking, Traffic and Transportation director, said the mini-buses currently used by the University are leased. Graham said the buses for permanent use will arrive at the end of May.
“The permanent ones will be very similar to the ones running now,” Graham said.
Graham said the introduction of new buses was in place before the serial killings, but the process was sped up because of safety concerns.
Graham said the mini-buses are paid for with student fees.
“Each full-time student pays 80 cents a semester for the Campus Transit service,” Graham said.
Campus Transit buses transport students to and from any location on campus. The buses run seven days a week from 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Students may request a ride by calling 578-5555.
For the most part, students said they enjoyed the new buses.
“It almost felt like I was riding in a limo, with the lights and the seating,” said Brenda Hawkins, a nursing junior. “These buses allow for a lot more interaction among the riders.”
April Bernard, a biological engineering freshman, said she and her friends often use Campus Transit to travel to campus dining areas.
“The new buses are a lot better than the vans,” Bernard said. “The buses themselves are nicer, and the ride is a lot smoother.”
Keora Brown, a pre-law sophomore, said though she thinks the new buses are significantly better than the previous vans, she thought they should have seat belts.
“I’ve gotten thrown when the bus makes a sudden stop,” Brown said. “That’s my only complaint — that they should have some kind of seat belt. Other than that, I think they’re great.”