Shuttle service to Boston expected to begin in January

A decision by the Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate will soon make traveling into Boston on Friday and Saturday nights significantly more convenient for students.

The Senate recently approved a one-month trial of a shuttle service that will run every half-hour between the Campus Center and the city, stopping at Boylston Street and Kenmore Square from 9 p.m. until 3 a.m.

According to Senate Historian Jeff Katzin, who oversaw the project, the idea stemmed from student complaints about the lack of social activities on campus. "With complaints on campus about social life this semester, it seemed reasonable to give it a try," he said.

Student response to the proposed shuttle service has been positive. Freshman Matt Fiorello said the shuttle would save time and avoid the hassle of using public transport. "The shuttle would enable students to travel to Boston faster and more efficiently than taking the shuttle to Davis, [or] having to pay for the T," Fiorello said.

Although they have not signed a formal contract, the Senate has reached a tentative agreement with the Vocell Bus Company to provide the service. According to Katzin, the shuttle's $350 nightly cost will be split by the Senate and the TCU Treasury Discretionary Funds.

However, Katzin said, the Senate will continue to negotiate with Vocell to try to lower the cost.

After the one-month trial period, the Senate will evaluate the practicality of the shuttle and then make a decision about whether or not to continue funding the service. Some have expressed concerns over the possibility of individuals outside of the Tufts community using the shuttle. Paul Goodman, the owner of Vocell, downplayed the safety concerns and said that he anticipated the shuttle service to be a success.

"We've done things like this in the past at other schools but never for extended periods of time, and there were no safety problems," he said.

Katzin expects to meet with the Office of Public Safety later this week to discuss possible safety concerns. However, Katzin said, "I do not foresee any huge safety issues that would be any different from the shuttle currently going to Davis Square."

The Senate chose to negotiate with the Vocell Bus Company because Tufts has successfully used Vocell for Senior Week activities in the past. Vocell buses were also used for the last Senior Pub Night, in which a bus window was allegedly broken by a student.