The AU shuttle system will now run a continuous 24-hour loop, only slowing down at designated stops to permit students to board. The Student Government passed this measure by a large majority vote last week in an effort to make the shuttle more accessible and reduce wait times.
The AU shuttles will run continuously from campus to Tenleytown, merely slowing down to three miles per hour at the previously designated stops to allow students to run alongside the vehicles and quickly jump on board.
Guy Listener, an undergraduate senator and a junior in the School of Public Affairs, introduced the bill.
"Students have always complained about how the shuttles are unpredictable, slow and don't run late enough at night, so I proposed this bill to solve these problems. This is a great example how the SG listens to student criticisms," Listener said.
So far, the continuously running shuttle system has gone over fairly well with the student body, especially with members of the track and field teams.
"It's a great way to practice my running because I've got to run next to the shuttle in order to catch up to it," said Sarah Runners, the captain of the women's track team.
Matt McDonnald, a sophomore in the School of International Service, also likes the new shuttle system's continuous runs.
"It saves me a heck of a lot of time when they run at all hours. I don't have to ever wait for the shuttles and can get to the Tenley Metro in record time," McDonnald said.
However, there have been some complaints from late night partiers.
"It's really hard to run and catch up to the shuttle with my Jimmy Choo stilettos on," said Cher Sunshine, a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences.
AU's Transportation Services also supports the new SG measure, saying that it saves the university a great deal of money. The university only has to run half their original number of shuttle buses because they run on a more continuous basis.
The AU shuttle drivers are also supportive of the new shuttle system, too.
"This certainly is much more fuel-efficient because we don't have to sit idling any longer," said Terry Roads, an AU shuttle driver. "Plus, I really get a kick out of watching the students running and trying to catch up to the shuttle as I drive past them"
