Volume CXXXII, Number 13 January 31, 2003 f

BSG van service to debut this weekend
FE VIVAS
STAFF WRITER

Last spring, student government orchestrated major changes in the operation of the convenience shuttle system by contracting the services of Brunswick Taxi.

Now, the main goal is to revamp the regional shuttle system, while keeping costs down for the student government, whose funding ensures that both transportation services remain available to students at a minimal cost.

"A major drawback of the former regional shuttle system is that we just couldn't get students into Portland in a cost-effective manner last semester," Tejus Ajmera '04, treasurer of the student government, said.

Ajmera's solution to this problem of high cost is to subsidize the system by partnering with Classy Limo and Shuttle Service. Classy Limo, a ground transportation service based in Cape Elizabeth, will make the loop formerly made by college vans from campus to Cook's Corner, Freeport, the Maine Mall, and the Old Port (the latter two destinations are in Portland).

This revamped shuttle system will run for a one-month trial period beginning this weekend and extending through the end of February. The round trip from campus to Cook's Corner or Freeport will cost three dollars per passenger, and the round trip to the Maine Mall or the Old Port in Portland will cost five dollars per passenger. Students can purchase tickets at the Smith Union Information Desk prior to boarding the Classy Limo vans on Saturdays and Sundays.

BSG hopes that students will take advantage of this low-cost service beginning the first of the month. It also encourages students to offer their opinions regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the new system compared to last semester's system. Ajmera reminds students, "The continuation of the service is completely dependent on student use and feedback." Comments should be directed via email to bsg@bowdoin.edu.

BSG will send out an email to all students detailing pick up points and times for the shuttle before it begins on Saturday. No changes in the highly touted convenience shuttle service are expected. Transportation on campus on Friday and Saturday nights from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. will continue under the helm of Brunswick Taxi. Students need only call 729-3688 to communicate directly with drivers and set up a meeting place on campus.

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