[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Shuttle_bus.jpg” caption=”Shuttle Bus”]

A review of the University's shuttle bus service to west campus was conducted over the summer and the recommendation from the final report will be implemented on September 1.

The shuttle review was launched to assess how the shuttle service could become more efficient and effective at a reasonable cost. “We looked at a number of options from eliminating the shuttle service to increasing parking fees and implementing bus user fees,” says Tony Cupido, chair of the President's Advisory Committee on Transportation and Parking. “But after consultation with university groups the final recommendation was to change the route and to create one central university stop.” The Committee paid close attention to concerns of health and safety, environmental impact and convenience.

The new stop will be at the traffic circle in the back of the Mary Keyes residence. The shuttles will operate on a 10-minute loop and the stop is less than a five-minute walk from most locations on campus. Because the shuttle bus route to zones 6 and 7 will be shorter, one less bus will be needed, which will save money and reduce emissions and environmental impact. The new route will also reduce bus traffic through the pedestrian-focused campus core. A shelter will be installed at the new bus stop.

“The process was fair and I'm pleased with the compromise,” says Tommy Piribauer, McMaster Students Union president. “The people making the decisions listened to our concerns and did factor them into the recommendation.” He says his preference would have been to have the stop closer to University Hall and the centre of campus. He's interested to see how the new stop works and students react to the change once classes begin next week.

The new director of McMaster's Parking and Security Services, Terry Sullivan says they will put up posters and communicate with students, faculty and staff to make sure everyone is aware of the shuttle changes. The shuttle currently costs approximately $540,000 a year to operate. The new route will reduce the costs by up to $150,000 a year. That money will be reinvested in improving parking
and security services on campus.

The Shuttle bus review can be found on the Parking and Security Services website. Any questions or comments should be sent to parking@mcmaster.ca.

This fall Terry Sullivan, the new Director of Parking and Security Services, will be initiating a complete review and strategic plan development of parking at McMaster.