The RIDE, the campus shuttle system, underwent a reevaluation over the summer to address several issues that came up during its first year. Student confusion with the service’s policies and the high financial cost of door-to-door service provided the impetus for the changes.
The most significant change has been the adoption of a regular schedule with fixed stops around campus, rather than last year’s request-based service where students could call whenever and wherever they wanted to be picked up.
“[RIDE] drivers like it because they don’t have to be on the phone every minute,” said Manager of Transportation Services Marcello Curridori.
The new system is made of two separate lines, red and blue. Two and sometimes three RIDE vans make independent loops around campus from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. each day. The entire loop takes about twenty minutes, and the two loops intersect at a transfer point behind the science tower. Plans are also being made to offer service to downtown Middletown on Wednesday nights.
“The intent is to increase the level of activity and raise efficiency and effectiveness,” said Manny Cunard, director of auxiliary services and campus services.
The new system was designed with student safety in mind. Lighting and the proximity of blue- light phones were taken into account when selecting RIDE stop locations. Additionally, plans are in the works for a lighted lean-to at the Vine Street stop.
“A program like this is always looking to make additions and changes,” Curridori said.
Student feedback is encouraged, and each van now has questionnaires that students are encouraged to fill out any time they ride the RIDE.
Many students have complained that schedules and maps are hard to find, and Curridori said that he is working on creating smaller maps for students to keep in their wallets. Until then, maps of the new schedule can be found in the campus center and on the transportation services website at www.wesleyan.edu/auxiliaryservices/ride/index.htm.
“Ultimately, we’re much better suited to serve students [this year],” Cunard said.
Some students deem the new system less confusing.
“I find it easier to use this year,” said Alex Rosen ’08. “Last year I didn’t use it all, whereas this year I’ve used it twice already.”
Constance Smith ’08 agreed.
“I like [the RIDE] a lot more this year,” she said. “It works great, and the drivers are very nice.”
Some students, however, feel that in terms of convenience and safety, the RIDE could be better.
“It’s really not comparable to what is offered at a lot of other schools,” said Vanessa Kurzweil ’07.
Still, other students feel the RIDE needs another reevaluation.
“Taking the RIDE for me now with the new schedule is so inconvenient that I’d rather just take the RISK and walk,” said Rachel Finkelstein ’08, who lives at the far edge of campus in Buddhist house. “It is frustrating because the RIDE is supposed to be a safety measure and if somebody doesn’t feel safe and they have to wait 20 minutes for the RIDE to show up, I don’t think they would do that.”
Finkelstein criticized the RIDE’s new policy of pulling over at every stop along the route.
“A three minute ride took over 20 minutes, so I’m never taking it again. The RIDE is only convenient for people who don’t travel very far. Also, once when the RIDE was in my driveway, I waved to the guy and he looked at me, saw me and just drove away,” she said.
Leave a Reply