Driving For Service

IT'S not easy being a shuttle bus driver.

I drive one of the big red boxes every Monday and Wednesday; in fact, if you're riding today between 11:45 and 1:30, I'm your driver. (Look up and wave hello.)

When I tell someone I drive the shuttle, I inevitably get a string of complaints about the lousy service that the shuttle provides.

Now, it's true that the shuttle system isn't perfect; almost everyone has experienced the frustration that comes when a bus isn't somewhere that it should be. But it's also true that the shuttle system is greatly improved over last year, and that, more importantly, potential for further improvement exists.

If this improvement is to take place, efforts must be made by everyone who is involved with the shuttle system: drivers, riders and the people at Facilities Maintenance who run the shuttle system. Each of these groups must consider how it can improve the service.

Driving the shuttle bus is a great job. The only requirements are good driving skills and a Massachusetts class 2 license; the job consists of driving around and listening to the radio and the pay is quite competitive. Along with these advantages, however, drivers must recognize the tremendous responsibility that comes with the job.

OF course, a fully operational shuttle system is no good if it doesn't take riders where they want to go. And some sections of the current schedule are in need of revamping.

A good example is the day route. Although there are three buses running at night, only one runs from 11:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. These are prime ridership hours for students going to classes and coming home for lunch.

But the schedule does not adequately accommodate student's needs, as the riders of the 1:10 Memorial Hall-to-Quad shuttle will attest. The number of students--especially during inclement weather--almost always exceeds the capacity printed on the side of the bus, and it is often packed so tight that some riders can't even get on. The run is not only inefficient, it is unsafe for the riders. Clearly, a second bus would ease overcrowding and double the convenience for riders.

Schedules must also be written with students' schedules in mind. A noon departure from Memorial Hall serves almost no one; a 12:05 or 12:10 departure would give students leaving their classes a reasonable chance to make the bus.

Another gap in shuttle service exists for students going across the river for practice. There are no buses that go down to the athletic area in the afternoon; in the evening, buses return at 45-minute intervals. The large number of varsity and intramural athletes crossing the river every day should prompt bus service to the athletic facilities.

This is where the riders come in. These and other snags in the shuttle system deserve reconsideration and perhaps change. The shuttle exists to serve the Harvard community, so if you think the shuttle isn't up to snuff, tell the people in charge--specifically: Ed Casey, Facilities Maintenance, 175 N Harvard Street, Cambridge; 5-5280.

A couple of final suggestions: if you see the bus coming up the street, wave your hand high. If the driver doesn't make eye contact with you, he or she may not realize you're waiting for the shuttle. And above all, don't forget to say "Hi" as you get on the bus. After all, shuttle drivers need support, too.