2008 Woodie Awards
Is the JagTran efficient?
Matt Flanagan
Opinion Editor
Issue date: 10/1/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
Let me preface this by saying that I'm a commuting student. Therefore, I have one less degree of use for the JagTran, the campus transportation system which has essentially granted USA a glimmer of hope in my otherwise skeptical eyes.
The JagTran system started in 2005 along with the color-coded zoned parking regulations. Its stated purpose was to offer safe, efficient transportation to students, faculty and visitors while on campus.
I am, as you may have guessed, a big fan of the JagTran, mainly for its entertainment value. I rarely enjoy sitting down lazily while traversing our campus - since I'm more of the opinion that I should walk while I have legs - but whenever I do, it's a real treat. It's one of USA's perfect places to zone out without any worries. You've got to love how much like a Disney World gondola ride it is - sometimes I imagine I'm watching the Epcot Center rising over the top of the hill at the Humanities lot, only to find that it's just our big, square library.
Entertainment value aside, the more serious issue behind the JagTran is its position in conquering the very important challenge that lies before USA: What with the campus layout being as large and overwhelming as it is (or seems), how can we possibly aim to ensure our students get to class on time, every time?
Whether the JagTran accomplishes that lofty goal is debatable. Personally, I'm a very punctual person when it comes to meeting deadlines or getting to class/work; so if I have the means to do so, I'll often skip the JagTran and walk in order to ensure I get wherever I need to at a decent time. But if I need to travel from the main campus to the UCOM area without crossing Old Shell on foot, for example, the JagTran is my best bet to ensure a safe ride.
In terms of expediency and efficiency, I've heard a number of complaints about the routes and the number of stops each JagTran makes, and how long they stop, etc. Mainly this is up to the volume of students on campus between each scheduled time slot, which is not exactly a factor the JagTran drivers can control. However, this may give you the opportunity to plan out exactly what point(s) on what days the JagTran would be most efficient for your particular schedule. As long as you plan it out, you can minimize the possibility of being caught 10 minutes late to class because the driver stopped from hitting a student at one of the crossings.
I'm certainly a supporter of the JagTran's mission to ensure students' safety and arrival to class on time, but whether or not it actually does so is completely up to the individual riding it. However expedient or not, it is an interesting and fun way to spend time off between classes.
The JagTran system started in 2005 along with the color-coded zoned parking regulations. Its stated purpose was to offer safe, efficient transportation to students, faculty and visitors while on campus.
I am, as you may have guessed, a big fan of the JagTran, mainly for its entertainment value. I rarely enjoy sitting down lazily while traversing our campus - since I'm more of the opinion that I should walk while I have legs - but whenever I do, it's a real treat. It's one of USA's perfect places to zone out without any worries. You've got to love how much like a Disney World gondola ride it is - sometimes I imagine I'm watching the Epcot Center rising over the top of the hill at the Humanities lot, only to find that it's just our big, square library.
Entertainment value aside, the more serious issue behind the JagTran is its position in conquering the very important challenge that lies before USA: What with the campus layout being as large and overwhelming as it is (or seems), how can we possibly aim to ensure our students get to class on time, every time?
Whether the JagTran accomplishes that lofty goal is debatable. Personally, I'm a very punctual person when it comes to meeting deadlines or getting to class/work; so if I have the means to do so, I'll often skip the JagTran and walk in order to ensure I get wherever I need to at a decent time. But if I need to travel from the main campus to the UCOM area without crossing Old Shell on foot, for example, the JagTran is my best bet to ensure a safe ride.
In terms of expediency and efficiency, I've heard a number of complaints about the routes and the number of stops each JagTran makes, and how long they stop, etc. Mainly this is up to the volume of students on campus between each scheduled time slot, which is not exactly a factor the JagTran drivers can control. However, this may give you the opportunity to plan out exactly what point(s) on what days the JagTran would be most efficient for your particular schedule. As long as you plan it out, you can minimize the possibility of being caught 10 minutes late to class because the driver stopped from hitting a student at one of the crossings.
I'm certainly a supporter of the JagTran's mission to ensure students' safety and arrival to class on time, but whether or not it actually does so is completely up to the individual riding it. However expedient or not, it is an interesting and fun way to spend time off between classes.
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