An increase in funding has allowed Off Campus College Transport, Binghamton University’s student-run bus company, to implement a number of changes, including the purchase of two new buses and a card-scanning system.
The new buses, which cost around $115,000 each, replaced older buses that would have been too costly to repair, according to Jared Kirschenbaum, president of the Student Association. Like all SA presidents, Kirschenbaum is also the CEO of OCCT.
A blue bus caught fire on April 10 due to electrical causes. Two passengers and driver Cheuk Wa Wong were safely evacuated from the bus after Wong noticed white smoke seeping from the front vent. The fire was extinguished in 10 minutes, but the bus was completely burned down.
During the spring 2010 semester, students voted to increase the semesterly student activity fee from $86.50 to $92.50, a $6 increase. Half of that increase went to OCCT, which had previously been forecast as heading toward bankruptcy.
According to Kirschenbaum, the bus company is pulling back from the brink.
‘Last year we did very well,’ he said. ‘We came out in the black.’
OCCT will also use the new funds to implement a card-scanning system.
The system will ensure that only those permitted to ride the buses are allowed to board. It will also help the company cut costs, Kirschenbaum said.
He said that the cards would monitor student use of the buses according to routes and times.
If there were routes or times that have low ridership rates, those buses could be reallocated to service higher-traffic routes and times.
‘Under the new system, it will allow for further efficiency in managing routes and for protecting our students,’ he said.
Kirschenbaum said the scanners are currently being programmed, and will be installed in the next few weeks. The scanners will be used as part of a pilot program for rest of the semester, and the system is expected to be in full use by the spring semester.
OCCT is also looking into doubling its late night service.
‘We’ve promised it, and we’re looking toward having it by the end of October,’ Kirschenbaum said.
Future plans could include installing Wi-Fi hotspots on the buses, but cost will be the deciding factor.
Students have had mixed reactions to the changes.
Brenda Vasquez, a sophomore majoring in psychology, had an idea of her own.
‘I think there should be bus passes for visitors if they choose to take the bus. I know we’re paying for the OCCT, but I guess they can make money this way too,’ Vasquez said.
‘There are some things that can be fixed,’ said Sandeep Mallampati, a graduate student studying mechanical engineering. ‘The new buses are smaller and people have to stand because there are less seats.’
Iori Tanabe, a senior majoring in physics, was in favor of making the buses more selective.
‘Last year, I noticed that strangers and outsiders took the school buses and it was not right for students to stand while these people are occupying our seats.’
OCCT is currently negotiating a new contract with the University.
‘ Corinne Merdegia contributed reporting