Transpo changes route service
By LINDA SKALSKI
News Writer
Transpo, which operates the public bus routes in South Bend and Mishawaka, recently completed an extensive city bus route evaluation of several existing routes and decided to change route No. 7 to better serve the Notre Dame campus area.
Transpo public bus route No. 7 now services students to and from main circle, Robinson Center and legal aid every half hour, free of charge for anyone with a Notre Dame or Saint Mary's ID card.
As a result, Notre Dame/Saint Mary's afternoon shuttle bus No. 2 will be discontinued March 1, and the route for shuttle bus No. 1 serving Notre Dame, Saint Mary's and Holy Cross will be altered slightly to accommodate residents of University Village.
"Notre Dame was not the decision maker for these changes," said Daniel Skendzel, director of Administrative Services. "However, when we became aware that these changes would take place we saw a benefit to using this public service. Service and convenience are greatly enhanced with this change."
Although the change was implemented to benefit students, many volunteers at Robinson Center expressed apprehension about the new bus system.
"I hope it works out because I don't know the city well," said Arianne Watkins. "The other bus was pretty simple, and I'm not sure how this one is going to work out."
Skendzel does not foresee problems in the future, and believes that many people simply have a misconception about public transportation.
"I hope that through education and experience students will realize that this [is] a safe, convenient and efficient mode of transportation," he said. "It just makes sense to utilize public services, such as Transpo, when possible."
Operating hours are 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Schedules are available at the LaFortune Information Desk, Center for Social Concerns or Student Government Offices.
All News Stories for Monday, February 10, 2003
