Campus THEN and NOW Series - Part 14: LTD

Caitlin H.

November 15, 2009 - 7:18 AM

Today I rode the bus. Today I rode the bus for free.

One of the perks of being a student at the University of Oregon is ‘free' bus transportation on the city bus line, LTD. Free is a loose definition, students actually pay for the service as a part of the incidental fee...but it feels like free!

Since I now live off campus, the ability to ride the bus to school at a low-to-no cost is a life saver. I have never had a car at college, and since I have been in Eugene, never desperately felt the need to have one. My bike, the bus, or my feet take me most anywhere I want to go, whenever I need to go.

As fantastic as I think the bus system is, I will admit, I'm not looking forward to the ride to school in the morning. But before I complain let me start by saying I think it is astounding that so many students are willing and want to use the bus service. I just wish there were more bus lines where I live. Public transit in my area of northeast Eugene seems excruciatingly popular.

Presently I live approximately one mile from campus. A lovely bike ride across the river, or occasionally a healthy walk to school, but in the cold and rain during flu season, the bus becomes a necessity. And they are rather crowded. Since I live in a peak area of student housing, the express shuttle that runs from Kinsrow Avenue (roughly near Autzen stadium, if you're more familiar with landmarks) to campus already comes at approximately the hour and half hour. Depending on the time of day, there may be up to three buses around the hour or half hour trying to ensure all students get to campus safely and on time. We students pack it in like a New York City subway.

My favorite bus drivers are the ones who remember we have midterms or finals coming up and wish us luck when they drop us off at school. I have a distinct fondness for my trips in the morning with the driver who thanks us all for riding the "Sardine Express." Bus riding is an experience in Eugene, but hey, you're sure to meet people! I mean there is no ignoring a person you're pushed up against for the duration of the morning ride, so you might as well make small talk.

My ride today wasn't as crowded, but I wanted to take the time to say how much I appreciated the transit systems in Eugene. And even though I know it will be crowded as I join the majority of Kinsrow Avenue's population for my morning ride tomorrow, I'll try to remember how lucky I am. So many cities don't have transit like this available.