Save a car and money, ride the bus
While skiers, snowboarders and other outdoor enthusiasts anticipate the fast-approaching winter season, the portion of USU students who don’t have cars feels a sense of dread.
It’s one thing to walk around Logan in warm weather; it can be a way to be active and enjoy the clean air and sunshine. But for people who aren’t used to cold weather, like junior Brandon Emch, from Maryville, Wash., who majors in mechanical engineering, this winter won’t be easy.
“The buses only run until (8:30 p.m.), so if I work late, I’ll have to walk home or get a ride home,” Emch said. “As it gets colder that’s going to get more and more difficult, because I won’t want to be outside, even though it’s only like two blocks. The coldest it’s gotten in Washington — it’s already gotten colder than that here.”
Undeclared freshman Naomi Holt said she also has issues with traveling once the buses stop running.
“I like riding the bus because it’s more social,” Holt said. “I met some of my first friends (in Logan) on the bus. It’s within walking distance, and it’s nice because it’s free. But it’s hard at night because I live off-campus, and it’s hard to go get groceries or go to people’s houses. It’s hard to keep in touch with friends who live in the dorms.”
Holt said one alternative is asking for rides from her sister who lives in Cache Valley, but sometimes she feels bad making others drive her around.
“I’ve only gone home (to Murray) once or twice by catching a ride with my sister or friends,” Holt said. “I think, if I had a car, I’d go home quite a bit more to do laundry or see friends.”
Amber Thompson, a junior majoring in international studies, said asking people for rides isn’t something she enjoys either.
“I don’t want to be an inconvenience to anyone,” Thompson said.
Emch said even though asking for rides isn’t enjoyable, there are some circumstances where it’s logical.
“I don’t really like it, depending on other people, but if they’re already going close or to the same place, I don’t feel like it’s a big deal,” Emch said. “There are a lot of people here who don’t mind taking you places, and it’s really easy to tag along. You can always chip in for gas and stuff, too.”
Thompson said not having a car hasn’t had a huge impact on her academic schedule, though it sometimes causes her to be late for or miss review sessions. But, Holt said, a car would come in handy for times when she’s on campus late in the day.
“I go to the library a lot, and I have a night class,” Holt said. “Walking home is freezing and dark. Sometimes people pick me up, but a car would be nice for that.”
Despite the setbacks, Emch said getting around without his own car has advantages, too, especially in the financial realm.
“I don’t have a car mostly just because of money. I don’t have to pay for gas, insurance or (need) a place to park,” Emch said.
He said he wants to do well in school, therefore he doesn’t have the time to earn extra money for a car.
“Out-of-state (tuition) is pretty steep,” Emch said. “There are free buses in Logan, and I don’t see a need for having a car as far as travel within the city goes.”
Holt said she got her first vehicle-related ticket last summer, and not having a car at school makes her less worried about liability with speeding or other situations.
“I feel like, in Logan, people just walk right out in front of you when you’re driving through campus,” Holt said. “I can’t imagine hitting someone, and not having a car makes me less worried about that.”
Thompson said she likes not having to worry about fines from illegally parking or speeding, getting boots, paying for parking passes or getting in wrecks, but she’s also learned from going without a vehicle.
“I definitely think it has been an advantage, because I’ve learned to prioritize,” Thompson said. “Just having to schedule ahead of time, having to account for delays — I think my planning skills have gotten a lot better.”
Thompson also said not having a car is something that signifies her complete independence from her parents.
“If I were to have a car right now, it would be because I’d buy it and be making payments,” Thompson said. “I don’t have to rely on my parents as much (this way).”
– m.noble@aggiemail.usu.edu