Shuttle stalled
System has acknowledged flaws, but administrators see no easy fix
Katie Rosenbaum
Campus News Editor
Those involved with the Xavier shuttle recognize there are problems regarding its efficiency and timeliness, and are beginning to address these concerns. Currently, however, there does not seem to be a specific plan designed to solve these problems.
Dr. Luther Smith, Dean of Students, said he has heard complaints from students about the unreliability of the shuttle this year. He acknowledges its problems, and a shuttle committee is working to address these issues.
However, students have not been voicing their concerns to the Student Government Administration (SGA).
“We haven’t heard lots of complaints about the shuttle this year,” said Jennifer Downing, senate coordinator and member of the shuttle committee.
“It is frustrating to try to assess and address concerns when feedback isn’t there,” said Downing.
Making changes to the shuttle can be a slow process, said Downing. SGA is not the only one involved in the shuttle. Since Xavier is working through Crosswell Bus Lines, concerns and changes can be brought to Crosswell’s attention, but they may not be immediately changed as Xavier is dealing with other business, Downing said.
The current shuttle is “an improvement from what we had,” said Downing.
“So far as ultimate authority is concerned, Jim Miller, director of the Gallagher Student Center, and his staff work with the shuttle drivers on day-to-day operations,” said Smith.
“I have typically been the point person when talking with Croswell about expectations, complaints and modifications. The Shuttle Committee is ultimately in charge of decision-making while I work to assure that decisions are implemented,” said Smith.
Xavier pays $191,000 a year for the shuttle service. A portion of this funding comes from SGA with the remainder coming from the university.
Originally, a committee was to begin meeting in January because the two-year
contract that Xavier has with Crosswell is up in the spring.
Smith decided that the commitee should begin to meet now and has spoken to SGA
about “expediting formation of the shuttle committee this semester to
get a head-start on concerns students have raised,” said Smith.
Smith, Downing, SGA Administrative Vice President Kailin Borton and other SGA members will consider the current contract with Croswell and decide whether or not to renew the contract or find a new shuttle company.
People have raised convenience issues since the shuttle makes designated stops and is not a door-to-door service.
Shuttle drivers will go off route to take students closer to where they want to go, but this throws the schedule off balance, said Smith.
A big concern is that drivers need to be at stops at designated times and stay on route to prevent students from having to wait at their stops longer than necessary.
Smith suggested that shuttle times be posted on a sign near the stops, so that students are aware of the times the shuttles should be arriving.
Downing said that safety issues need to be considered when marking the stops. She said it is important that students are safe while waiting for the shuttle.
“Although no student has been attacked or threatened at a stop, it’s just a delicate balance to strike in providing a shuttle service to students but also preventing others from monitoring usage patterns and taking advantage of students who may be waiting for the shuttle.”
“This has not been a problem as far as I know, but it is something that
we keep in mind as we evaluate how the shuttle operates,” said Downing.
The shuttle can be the “eyes and ears of the university,” said Smith.
The shuttles are equipped with radios and they can call in suspicious activity,
car accidents or other problems.
“Any set of extra eyes and ears can improve safety both on-campus and for the community, said Campus Police Chief Michael Couch.
“The shuttle is safe although some students may refute that. The identified Xavier shuttle presence in the neighborhood increases safety,” said Smith.
The shuttle has not radioed in any safety concerns this semester, said Couch.
Students are encouraged to send concerns about the shuttle to shuttle@xavier.edu.
John LaFollette
Editor-in-Chief
Matthew Finger
Managing Editor
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