Gunston Go Bus On the Way

By Broadside Staff Writer Adam Sylvain

In response to student demand for more available public transportation, Student Government is in the final stages of establishing a new shuttle service.

The Gunston Go Bus will shuttle students to and from local shopping and dining centers. Stops will include Fair Oaks Mall, Fair Lakes Center, Fairfax Corner and Old Towne Fairfax.

As the head of Student Government, Student Body President Zack Golden, shared his thoughts on the need for the Go Bus. “It’s no secret that students have been dissatisfied with the parking situation which has made the availability of point-to-point shuttle systems, such as the Mason-to-Metro service, pleasing for many of them. Students are seeking alternative methods for day-to-day travel,” said Golden.

Freshman English major Patrick Craig, couldn’t agree more. “It’ll be nice to be able to get to some fun spots in Fairfax. Before, most students had to find a friend with a car to get around,” said Craig. “Even then, it’s a pain to have to get all the way over to West Campus and back. It definitely gives us more options for things to do on the weekends, as an alternative to going into D.C.”

Golden offered further comment on the new project, which he believes will be in full service by the week of January 20, when students return from winter break.

“The idea took hold last summer, when a focus group of about 20 students administered a survey in the Johnson Center during freshman orientation. Members of Student Government offered last year’s Gold Rush t-shirts in exchange for student participation in the survey, which asked students whether or not they would use an additional shuttle service and where they would like to go,” said Golden. “We got some great feedback from the survey. Of course the T-shirts were a great incentive, and we built on our idea from there.”

Neil Mann, a freshman computer science major, shared his enthusiasm about the proposed bus service. “I know I’d definitely use it, mainly because it will take me to more shopping centers. For instance you can visit stores like Target and Best Buy at Fair Lakes. The cue bus only stops at plazas with more thrift stores,” said Mann. “I like the new option. It will give us something different to do on the weekends. It will also be more convenient than having to pay to sit on the Metro.”

Even students with a car on campus, such as Richard Malebranche, a junior information technology major, said they would gladly hitch a free ride. “Give me an opportunity to go somewhere good, without having to go through the Metro, pay gas or worry about parking. I’ll definitely take it,” said Malebranche.

It was originally hoped that the new service would be available this fall, but as with many projects, it has taken awhile to secure contracts and work out the details for completion.

Golden elaborated on how implementing a new idea can be a very lengthy process. “First, you have an idea, most often a solution to some kind of problem. As an organization we then pitch the idea to a senior administrator, such as Dr. Hubler, Vice President of University Life, who has helped us along on several occasions,” said Golden.

“In this case, we have also been in contact with the university’s Transportation Department,” said Golden. “Then the proposal needs to be worked into the budgets and legal contracts have to be taken care of. Although, it has taken awhile, we have had success in building up a strong argument for why this service would be beneficial. Efforts such as the student surveys really helped to gain valuable support.”

“Until January, students should keep their fingers crossed that final details are finalized,” said Golden.

“I really hope everything falls into place. I just think it’s a great idea,” said Mann.

Gunston Go Bus is the official name of the bus, even with the recent mascot swap. “Actually, this project suits Gunston’s new position as Community Ambassador quite well,” said Golden. “It’s a way to keep Gunston noticed by the campus community.”