OUR VIEW: Aggie Shuttle, getting students where they need to go on campus

Utah State University’s shuttle system is providing one of the most beneficial services on campus, and for the fees used to run it, it’s well worth it.

Students are using the Aggie Shuttle in growing numbers every day. It will become increasingly popular and for good reason.

Now covering its all-time, most extensive area – from 1400 North to 400 North and from 1300 East to 600 East – the shuttle caters to a new group of students. Tenants of South Campus residence halls can more easily leave campus, and students living west of campus can avoid the trek up Old Main Hill.

The South Campus Express makes stops smack dab in a neighborhood heavily populated by students. That should be one of the biggest selling points for landlords in that area – quick transportation to campus.

Some students are still hesitant to use the shuttle. Why is that?

The weather is just too nice right now. They want to walk. Some students, however, welcome the chance to sit in an air-conditioned bus as refuge from the heat of late summer.

Alden Erickson, director of the shuttle, said awareness and use of the shuttle are increasing slowly but surely.

There is no doubt ridership will pick up once the winter chill sets in. Buses make the trip to and from campus safer, warmer and easier. They conserve energy and fuel. Running every 10 to 15 minutes, the Aggie Shuttle helps students make the most of their time.

A bonus point for the Aggie Shuttle – the newest buses on the fleet were bought used instead of new, thus saving money in this time of reductions and budget cuts.

Student fees are already funding it, so students should take advantage of this valuable resource. So feel free to get on the bandwagon and ride the Aggie Shuttle.