Reporting Trip: Main Library Bus Stop
As part of my reporting on the importance of student workers to the University of Georgia’s workforce, I visited the Main Library bus stop. Here, students wait for one of 11 university bus routes to transport them to different locations all over campus. The UGA bus system in particular is essential to many students during their school year, who forgo the hellish process of gaining a parking permit.
On a cloudy, rainy morning the bus stop is more barren than usual. Students stand staggered around the large stop, with headphones in and heads down, occasionally peeking up to see if their bus has arrived. This year the bus system is different in that social distancing and sanitary procedures are in place, so students no longer pack the buses like sardines at popular stops such as the Main Library and Tate Center. As buses arrive they all play back the same recording, “You must wear a mask on the bus and at bus stops” as the doors swing open.
I spoke with student Iman Keen, a second-year student who just missed her bus despite the buses arrival chime of, “This is Arch Express”. This route is her most used of the 11 offered.
“Before I started college I never rode buses regularly,” she said. “Now, for me, they are the most efficient way to get anywhere on campus to avoid stairs or hills.”
There are far less students on campus on a regular basis, which makes for perfect practice for new hires learning how to navigate campus with ease. The North South Connector bus arrives flashing a “Now Hiring” sign advertising to the waiting block of students. As a Milledge Avenue bus arrives the driver steps off as a new student driver and supervisor step on to begin his training.
It appears the advertising is serving its purpose.
