An agreement between Joseph's Transportation and Tufts aimed at improving the shuttle between Davis Square and campus took effect yesterday. The changes call for a second running shuttle during peak times, heightened safety measures, improved communication for complaints, and an additional stop.
The changes will be evaluated after a two-month trail run. The project, which took nearly two years to complete, began when the Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate made five requests to Joseph's Transportation, TUPD, and the Department of Public Safety. Consequently, a second shuttle, a faster route during high peak hours, and a Wren Hall stop were added.
"I think a lot of people have stopped using the shuttle because it's so unpredictable," sophomore Marisa Fries said. "Hopefully, it will become more convenient with the new system."
Former Senator Pritesh Ghandi feels the changes in the shuttle will hopefully cut down on complaints that it is too full. "I think the changes are responsive to what students wanted," he said.
One of students' chief complaints has been the shuttle's erratic schedule and breaks for the drivers. From now on, the shuttle will stick to a schedule and the times will be posted at the two stops: at the Campus Center and in front of Olin. The Senate is separately trying to put up a sign at the Davis Square stop, since Tufts does not own the land.
Though the alterations will increase the shuttle's cost, the Senate has changed hours to offset the added price. The shuttle has ceased running during times in which it runs largely empty. Additionally, the shuttle will now stop running around 12:30 a.m. on weekdays, as opposed to the previous 2 a.m. stopping time. The rest of the funding for the changes will come from the Department of Public Safety, so student programs should not be affected.
Safety will be improved with the reduced loads during peak hours and posted safety signs. In addition, students can easily make suggestions or complaints via an e-mail link on the TuftsLife.com and Tufts University Police Department (TUPD) web sites.
Another change will help students returning from break save money on cab fares. Though it is possible to travel from Logan International Airport to Davis via the T, students usually take a cab because there is no transportation from Davis to Tufts. Now, the shuttle will operate on the days students return to Tufts.
"It took a long time but once we had everyone there, it all came together," freshman senator Adam Koeppel said. "Everyone became more committed to solving the problem and reaching an agreement."
The process, according to senators, was not easy. Initially they met with TUPD Captain Mark Keith and Joseph's to explore the problems. Senators said little was accomplished, however, and complaints about shuttle increased during the 2001 spring semester. Though at first Joseph's, TUPD, and Public Safety were "unresponsive," shortly before spring break, they started working harder on the issue and eventually they came to an agreement.
"We couldn't have done this without TUPD and Public Safety," Koeppel said.
