January 6 marked the first trip of the Camosun Express inter-campus shuttle, which will run through to the end of March. The Camosun Express is a pilot project shuttle with direct service between the Lansdowne and Interurban campuses, as well as a stop in the Westshore.
The college has funded the free service with dedicated sustainability dollars, currently being funded through a one-time environmental sustainability fund, in the hopes of meeting distinct environmental goals.
“The major goal is to reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles and reduce carbon gas emissions,” says Kathryn LeGros, Camosun’s director of ancillary services. “Also, to increase the car-sharing concept, that being more than one person per vehicle.”
The project has been in the planning stages for a year and a half after being discussed as part of the college’s Transportation Management Plan.
A 2011 survey showed that the demand for an intercampus shuttle has been substantial, with 56 percent of staff, 34 percent of faculty, and 15 percent of students needing to travel between campuses on a regular basis.
“We also know that over 50 percent of our employees have to make trips in-between campuses,” says LeGros, “and 30 percent of them have to do it more than twice a week. We are trying to run the shuttle at times that are convenient because the opportunity for decreasing 300 vehicles from the road is substantial.“
The shuttle will run Monday through Friday. It will be making its complete route twice daily during peak travel times, as well as a quick lunchtime run between the Lansdowne and Interurban campuses.
The shuttle itself has a few amenities, including covered bicycle storage at the rear of the vehicle and wi-fi access for comfortable and productive travel time.
So far, the response from students has been positive. Hannah Snider, a University Transfer student, believes the shuttle will be beneficial. “It’s free and convenient? I definitely think that’s a good idea,” she says.
University transfer student Katie Holness says the service is handy for those who need it. “I don’t have to travel between campuses,” she says, “but if I did, I would definitely use the shuttle.”
The Camosun College Student Society (CCSS) also welcomes a new travel option for students.
“Public transit can be a struggle for students, especially when it comes to commuting to our Interurban campus, which has limited service,” says Simka Marshall, CCSS external executive. “We think it’s great the college is being proactive in addressing transit issues for our members and staff on the Westshore, and those who travel between campuses.”
The bus being used currently isn’t wheelchair accessible, however, which concerns the CCSS.
“If this project becomes permanent, we hope the college will insure that shuttles are accessible for students with (dis)abilities,” says Marshall.