GC&SU ponders student drivers

Public safety may begin hiring student shuttle drivers for Fall semester 2005 due to the rapidly increasing number of students.

“It’s really in the preliminary stages,” said Director of Public Safety Ken Vance. “It’s something we will probably look at for next fall because we’ll have more housing on West Campus.”

Georgia College & State University has grown rapidly over the past few years and the shuttle system has been forced to keep up with the growing numbers. Vance said he estimates that between 1500 and 1700 people ride the shuttles each day and of that number 1300-1400 are daily riders.

“If it works out that we can use these people as drivers, it will augment our full time staff,” Vance said.

In order to guarantee safety to those who ride the shuttle, Vance said public safety staff are waiting for the insurance company to grant permission to continue with the proposal.

“By following the proper guidelines and procedures, student drivers will promote a self-sufficient shuttle system,” transportation supervisor Darryl Richardson said. “This exhibits the progressive position of the University’s Administration.”

Vance said there are still issues to take into consideration before students can become drivers.

“A lot of it hinges of insurance, but because UGA uses students we feel somewhat comfortable with that, but every place is different,” said Vance. “They have 90 buses at The University of Georgia, and we’ll have probably six, but there are still logistical concerns.”

Vance said only students who have completed through their junior year will be considered for the part-time positions.

“I think it’s a good idea because it will create jobs for college students,” said sophomore Scott Thompson. “It’s helpful to have more jobs offered here on campus so they [employers] will be more willing to work around your schedule.”

Sophomore Amanda Hazens agreed.

“If they are certified and know what they are doing, then I wouldn’t have a problem with it,” said Hazens.

However, other students are not in favor of this addition.

“I do not agree with other students being drivers,” said sophomore Chris Herrell. “I would rather have someone with more experience, even though its not that far of a distance.”

Vance said students have begun to show interest in becoming shuttle drivers. Once the idea is approved, public safety will try to have the drivers trained and certified through the Baldwin County Board of Education.

Vance also said they are looking into having one of their own divers become certified to train students.

With an abundance of budget cuts at GC&SU, public safety also must cut some corners. Vance said that hiring part-time student drivers will help cut down on some costs.

“It will give us more flexibility. Our drivers are stretched thin now and using part-time drivers is more beneficial to us as far as money we have to spend,” said Vance.

To ensure riders’ continuing satisfaction, Vance said surveys will become available to students sometime in March.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Mar 4 2005. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry