n A short time ago, the shuttle was just a long-running gap-filler (“BU shuttle too crowded,” Sept. 7, p. 7). The gap was transportation to and from the Boston University Medical Campus. BU paid for a charter bus to provide this shuttle service and the problem was solved.

However, less than two years ago, major changes were made in response to demand and the efforts of several individuals: more stops were added, the frequency and hours were both increased and the system was branded. Despite improvements, many still find fault with the BU Shuttle frequency and capacity – maybe even more so than before. This is understandable because few knew the shuttle existed before these changes.

However, the real problem isn’t quite that simple. A lot of work would have to be done over again to make it a better shuttle system. Why not do it again if there’s a demand? Well there’s the catch: the administration just did a major overhaul not long ago.

It’s not so easy to justify that again so soon, especially considering the BU Shuttle generates no revenue. So the need for a better shuttle has to be very clear. In the meantime, students are quickly losing interest in the shuttle and that’s a dangerous problem. If the demand goes down, no change will ever be made.

So, the solution is simple: Ride the bus!

No matter how crowded it is, pack in there with the rest. The more people on there, the more uproar there will be to again make improvements.

Brandon Mensing

CAS ’08