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Votume 35 Issue 13

UPEI STUDENT NEWSPAPER

Marcu 1, 2005

Lone Student Enjoys Public Transit Preview: University Fails to Identify Student Concerns

Matt Campbell Reporter

A public transit awareness campaign sponsored by UPEI, Active Living Alliance and Trius buses took place last week incorporating two trips from downtown Charlottetown to the University in the morning two trips from the University to downtown in the afternoon. The trial, which ran from February 21* until the 25" received much hype from The Guardian, however, turnout for the project was surprisingly low.

Trius Bus driver, Kimble Wood, supported the idea of a transit system in Charlottetown. “A transit system is certainly overdue. They currently have one small transit bus that has been in place for probably 20-25 years. Its knownas the seniors’ bus, but anybody can use it. The hours are inconvenient for many people, and the transit system needs more units, covering a larger area,” explained Wood.

Mr. Wood, who drove the bus all week, said he saw as many as ten students on board during one trip. However, Thursday afternoon had only asingle student on board.

Jody Thomas, a native of Prince Edward Island who currently studies at Mount St. Vincent, took advantage of the free ride downtown. Thomas, who regularly uses Halifax transit, had a relatively positive view on the awareness project.

“I think Charlottetown should definitely have a mass transit system. I’ve heard they’ve done a study in certain geography classes in Dalhousie regarding transit. The results found that it was odd that Charlottetown doesn’t already have transit system in place with the amount of people living in city limits.”

Thomas continued, “It will make Charlottetown a more appealing

city, especially in the winter. International students would greatly benefit from the service because of our cold temperatures.”

Public opinion on transit is clear. Islanders are fully behind a transit system coming to Charlottetown. The media has recognized and embraced that stance.

Continued on page 18

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