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Shuttle hours shortened after ‘analysis of ridership’

November 8, 2019

The Bowdoin Shuttle service, available for students travelling around campus past 6 p.m., will no longer offer service past 1:30 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday or past 1 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Previously, the service ended at 3 a.m. on Friday through Sunday, and at 2 a.m. the rest of the week.

Director of Safety and Security Randy Nichols explained that rides after 1:30 a.m. were not often requested.

“[An] analysis of ridership shows that less than half of one percent [of shuttle use] occurs from 1:30 a.m. to 3 a.m,” Nichols said. “I couldn’t justify having drivers sit there for two hours when they could be safe at home sleeping.”

The Shuttle, commonly known as Safe Ride, can transport students around Bowdoin and up to a mile off campus. Last academic year, the shuttle transported 21,380 students, up from 18,438 during the 2017-18 academic year.

Due to the departure of an employee last month, Nichols explained that his office is seeking to fill a position that would allow it to run two shuttles simultaneously on busy days.

Nichols denied that the Office of Safety and Security is considering stopping the shuttle service altogether.

“Absolutely not, there are no such thoughts,” Nichols said.

Nichols explained if students need a ride when the shuttle is not operating, security officers are always prepared to assist.

“Security officers provide safety escorts for students and employees at their request,” Nichols explained. “[The] safety of our students is paramount.”

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