VCU launches express bus between campuses
Currently, the campus connector provides approximately 700,000 rides annually and has an average of about 25 min. per stop. Photo by Andrew Crider
VCU will launch an express bus route between the Monroe Park and MCV campuses on Monday, Feb. 29 in response to concerns about long waits and packed buses.
The new express bus will run exclusively between the Cabell Library on the Monroe Park campus and the Larrick Student Center and Sanger Hall on the medical campus Mondays through Fridays from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.
The university stated the express buses will use a separate route from the VCU campus connector buses, and anticipates the bus will stop at each location within 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Currently, the campus connector provides approximately 700,000 rides annually and has an average of about 25 min. per stop, according to the university.
“As needs arise and are voiced, it is critical that (Parking and Transportation) takes steps to meet the growth in demand,” said Algappan Subramanian, the interim director of VCU Parking and Transportation. “By augmenting additional services, P&T has acted on its commitment to increase satisfaction levels of our customers. We’re excited to launch the express route to better meet the needs of our students through quicker, more direct service between campuses.”
Craig Willingham, the fleet and interim transportation manager at VCU Parking and Transportation told VCU News that should his department find the new system is successful, the express buses may be expanded to accommodate more passengers.
Sarah Kilmon, the senate vice-chair of the Monroe Park Campus SGA said the SGA supports the new addition because it will allow students to cross campuses faster and cut their chances of being tardy for class, but said the SGA continues to push for additional measures.
“While we do feel that this is an improvement, we believe there is still work to be done concerning VCU transportation,” Kilmon said. “With residence halls being built further away from core campus and the shortage of on-campus housing next year, we should be looking into expanding the bus program to accommodate areas the opposite direction of MCV.”
Students will be able to track the express bus in real time on vcu.transloc.com or on the VCU mobile app.
Print News Editor, Fadel Allassan
Fadel is a sophomore print journalism major. He is fluent in English, French and Sarcasm, and he probably doesn’t like you. Fadel enjoys writing about politics and making people drive him to Cook-Out. // Facebook | LinkedIn
allassanfg@commonwealthtimes.org
