SGA promotes transit changes

The SGA hosted two forums focusing on proposed changes to the CrimsonRide system Wednesday.

The forums gave students, faculty members and staff an opportunity to voice their concerns and ideas about the transit system. After receiving many comments, suggestions and complaints, UA Transportation Services planned changes to the current CrimsonRide bus system that are intended to make the buses more efficient.

The transit system is one part of the campus master plan, which was recently completed and submitted to the UA System Board of Trustees for approval. The plan focuses on relieving traffic congestion around campus as well as improving the general circulation of traffic. Part of this is being accomplished by the bus system, according to the planning office.

Ralph Clayton, assistant director in the Office of Transportation Services, said while the transit system was helping to accomplish some of the goals of the master plan, it wouldn't be the only factor.

"We aren't trying to keep people from walking," Clayton said. "We are still a walking campus, but the transit system can help people get around better."

One of the proposed changes to the system includes shortening the green routes, mainly eliminating green stops in the ten Hoor area. Clayton said that this should alleviate some of the pressure on the green route.

Another proposed change is an express route to the Student Recreation Center. Clayton said the Blue 2 route would be extended to service the Quad. The stop at the transit hub would be eliminated, Clayton said.

"Students could get on the bus from stops around the Quad and get to the Rec much faster," Clayton said.

Other proposed changes to the system include the addition of more buses. Clayton said four buses had already been requested.

"The only problem with more buses is that the manufacturer can't get them to us for about a year," Clayton said.

Clayton said that transportation services also hopes to build shelters and add benches to some of the stops but wants to make sure that the stops are in their final locations before proceeding with construction.

"It isn't just a matter of building the shelters, though," Clayton said. "Our budget isn't infinite, so we obviously couldn't put one at every stop."

Dan Clark, also with the Office of Transportation Services, said student input has been a large factor in the changes that have already taken place, such as the creation of the Coleman-Quad express route.

"We want to have as much student input as possible," Clark said. "We want to make changes that benefit everyone, and we can't do that without help."

Clayton said once the changes had been well publicized, adjusted and generally accepted, they would be implemented.

"We're hoping to have the changes ready to take effect by about the middle of November," Clark said.

R.B. Walker, president of the SGA, said student input was a major factor in any decision, especially one that affects so many students. He said the SGA is committed to hosting open forums like Transit Transitions so that no decision leaves anyone out.

"We are committed to providing the best possible services not just for students, but for faculty and staff as well," Walker said. "We want the transit system to be the best it can be."