Tom Walker
Junior Editor
Sewanee’s new shuttle program is here to make everyone’s life easier, but the program still has a few kinks to iron out. For years, students have recognized the need for a public transportation system. Students without cars are all too familiar with the inconvenience of walking to central campus from Hodson Hill or Quintard Hall, especially in inclement weather. Even the basic necessities sold in Monteagle were previously inaccessible to those without a regular means of transportation. The shuttle program solves many of these problems, but it isn’t without its flaws.
Some of the shuttle’s problems are inherent in its recent addition. Carissa Allman (C’ 26) said that many of her friends didn’t know about the shuttle at all. “They don’t know where to find the times and the locations,” she said. “So I think they need to have more help [finding the times].”
The shuttle’s schedule and route are available online under the “Campus Shuttle” section of The University’s website. On the website, students can download the weekday, weekend, night bus, and Monteagle bus schedules by clicking “Route Schedules.” Similarly, the route map can be downloaded by clicking “Route Map.” Both the schedules and maps are posted behind the driver’s seat in the shuttle. Emme Hendrix (C’ 25) suggested that “they could post the schedules in academic buildings” and “McClurg” Dining Hall.
Students who are familiar with the shuttle’s schedule may be worried about being stranded if the route ends before they can get to their destination. Thankfully, shuttle driver and retired staff member Dickie McCarthy said students needn’t worry. “[The shuttle] doesn’t run continuously, but if the route ends and there’s a place you need to go, I’ll get you there,” he said. He believes that “business will pick up when it gets colder and the walks get longer.”
On its website, the University said that “[i]t’s hard to get something right the first time” and that they’ll “keep iterating until we get it right for the majority of students.” Hendrix mentioned that the gaps in the shuttle’s schedule make it inconvenient to use on some days. Other students have recommended that the shuttle run on Wednesday nights to accommodate students headed to Shenanigans for BOGO. Allman and Hendrix all expressed their appreciation for the shuttle system and their hope that it is more widely adopted. Students interested in giving feedback can fill out the feedback form through Sewanee’s website or via QR code located inside the shuttle.