Continuing Shuttle Problems for Commuters

By Moa Golster
Assistant News Editor

It has been an unfortunate start of the spring semester for some of Post’s commuter students. On Jan. 20, the first day of classes, the off-campus shuttle did not show up either in Hicksville or on campus until after noon. Meanwhile, the shuttle’s limited amount of seats is continuing to force some students to pay for alternative transportation, or to be late for class.

Last semester, The Pioneer reported that the free shuttle, which travels between campus, Broadway Mall, and the Hicksville train station, is a popular transportation method for commuter students. However, its 25-person occupancy limit has made it a daily battle for students who want to get a spot on the shuttle and make it to school on time. In Oct. 2014, Michael Berthel, director of Campus Life, said that SGA and Campus Life are considering making changes to the shuttle service, but explained “it is not going to happen overnight.”

Due to a misunderstanding between LIU Post and Abraham’s Transportation Services – the company who own and run the shuttle – the shuttle did not show up before noon on Tuesday, according to Berthel. Rebecca Tigerholm , a junior Finance major, was waiting for the expected 9 a.m. shuttle for over 30 minutes before she decided to take the N20 bus. “I ended up being 40 minutes late for class. My friends decided not to go to class at all because they were too embarrassed,” she said.

Berthel confirmed the mistake, and said the shuttle has been running according to schedule since midday Tuesday. However, students are once again experiencing a lack of seats.

The least expensive transportation alternative for students who can’t use the shuttle is the N20 bus, where a ticket costs $2.50. However, according to junior Economics major Oliver Hollingsaeter, the bus is often late and inconsistent. The other option is to take a cab, which can cost up to $15 per person.

Berthel said that the school is still looking at options on how to solve the transportation problem, and that the community will be informed as soon as something is decided.

Siri Birkeland, a junior Political Science major said the shuttle situation is a daily problem for commuter students, and she described it as urgent. “Most students simply can’t afford to take a cab to school every other day,” Birkeland said. “We need a transportation system that works, and where we can be sure to get to school on time.”