Mass transit offers transportation alternative

Students who don’t want to spend their mornings searching for a parking spot might take advantage of some alternatives to driving.

VCU offers three bus routes: the Campus Connector, the VCU Outer Campus Loop, and the VCU Medical Center Shuttle.

Additionally, the Greater Richmond Transit Company runs buses throughout Richmond. Full-time students with a VCU identification card can purchase a GRTC student Transit Pass for $50, allowing them unlimited use of GRTC buses for one semester. Transit Passes are available at one of the Parking and Transportation offices located at 1000 East Clay St. and 1111 West Broad St.

William Johnson, manager of the Parking and Transportation Department, said that some have misconceptions about the efficiency and reliability of the university’s mass transit systems.

“I grew up in the city all my life, so mass transit has always been something that I have been used to dealing with,” he said. “I would like to see more students, faculty and staff explore their options of transporting themselves in and out of campus.”

Johnson admitted his department has not focused its efforts on promoting mass transit. However, when students come to the parking office to purchase their parking permits, staff members describe the benefits of mass transit and provide information about the Campus Connector, he said.

“The main challenge that I would like my department to focus on would be to spread awareness to all members of the university (about) the many commuting options that they have at their fingertips,” Johnson said.

Nonetheless, Britton Ellis, a VCU student, said he’s not ready to abandon his car just yet.

“Driving allows me to have a more flexible schedule, so I don’t have to plan my classes and errands around the schedule of one bus,” he said.

Jodi Krahn, a VCU student who works at the e2 campus bookstore, said the most convenient way for her to get to campus is by foot.

“I walk to school every day because I only live two blocks away,” she said. “But if I had the choice between a car or the bus I would choose the car because if there is an emergency and I have to leave as soon as possible, I definitely do not want to be waiting for a bus to arrive.”

Johnson, who occasionally rides the Campus Connector, said he believes the department has implemented a well-run system of mass transit.

“I find from personal experience that the buses are very efficient and reliable,” he said. “For the most part, they are on time.

“Nowadays, it is easy for people to just get in their car and go, and these days it has become second nature to them. I call it the ‘car culture.'”