Text, Tap, Travel

By: Tom Betar

         

From keying cell phones to locate a campus shuttle to tapping U-Cards to ride freely on TRAX, students at the University of Utah have a myriad of options, some potentially unknown, when it comes to effective navigation to and around the sprawling campus.

            As the cars of frustrated students spill out of the scarce and crowded University of Utah parking lots on a daily basis, the need for alternative forms of transportation has become a priority for many students and even the administration. The somewhat traditional method of driving to campus in a single occupant vehicle now is a last resort for many students, as new methods of transportation provide cheaper, faster and more hassle-free ways of getting around the campus and surrounding the community.

            The Commuter Services brochure outlines many alternative modes of transportation available to students throughout the year. According to the brochure, the UTA Ed-Pass allows students to use their university identification, or U-Card, as a valid way to freely access TRAX, UTA buses and Frontrunner trains.  One of the few stipulations is that students must tap their card on and off on the designated stations when boarding and exiting TRAX stations.

Casey Grey is a student majoring in sociology and uses TRAX on a daily basis. He said he likes the fact that the system has been growing over the past few years by adding more stops and routes, and that riding TRAX is helpful to him in many ways.

“I ride it because it is free with my tuition and saves me gas money,” he said. “Also it is just easier because I can do homework on the TRAX instead of driving so that’s always convenient.” 

 Students can also access free campus shuttles, which run from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and even view a live shuttle map from a computer. Students can also text a stop identification number to 41411 to receive the location of the two closest buses of each color for that given stop, according to the brochure. The brochure also addresses Rideshare, biking and Car Share as other transportation options students can pursue.

Ryan McDonald is a communication major and said that he relies heavily on TRAX and public transportation to fulfill his needs.

“I don’t drive so public transportation in general is my way of getting around and I see it better that I don’t have to worry about parking once I get here to campus,” he said. “Compared to any alternatives that I might have, public transportation and using TRAX really is a great system for me to use.” 

            Of course, not every student is taking advantage of these transportation options. One problem with all these services is that students may simply not be educated or informed about them. Adam Tobler, a student majoring in exercise and sports science, said lack of information is the main reason why he does not use TRAX or busses, but instead drives or walks to campus.

            “I haven’t really been educated on how to use the busing systems,” he said. “I’m sure it’s a great mode of transportation but I have not been educated and don’t have the experience with them like other students.”

            As students become more educated and aware regarding the transportation options available to them, whether through administrative promotion or word-of-mouth, any empty TRAX or shuttle seats are likely to fill up faster and faster with each passing day.