By Italiana Anderson
On Wednesday April 13, the Transit Commission held its monthly meeting at Oxford City Hall to discuss current issues and future plans for the O.U.T. Bus Services.
This meeting called for an update on the changes that went into effect in January such as the new route change for the yellow buses, that run from Anderson Road to West Jackson Ave.
Before this semester there was only one yellow line that picked up students from Campus Creek Apartments, Lafayette Place, The Hub, The Retreat, etc. Since that route became so hectic, the transit commission decided to make a yellow express bus line that only travels from Campus Creek Apartments and Campus Walk to the Observatory. Students found that this change was more effective and convenient, otherwise they would have had to travel a farther distance.
Donna Gurley, associate general counsel said the ridership on the yellow route is higher than ever before. The yellow route is the route that gets the most students and is causing more hysteria than any other bus line in the O.U.T Bus Services. The transit commission looks to solve the problem of overcrowding by adding two new buses that will start running on April 27. This addition will hopefully fix the problems that Ole Miss students face.
Ole Miss students also had complaints about the digital prediction sign at the Observatory bus stop that tells students when a specific bus will arrive. Many students gripe that the sign does not accurately predict the times the buses will arrive. Director of Parking and Transportation, Mike Harris said their system is making an effort to be more up-to-date with technology by making use of the digital prediction signs and the bus voiceovers. If anyone ever wondered why some O.U.T buses were navy blue now is because of a refit that was put in place.
The new paint jobs for the buses average at about $104,00 to give them a new look. Harris said the new paint is branding opportunity, that will make people know what O.U.T is when they see it on the roads.
The interchanges where the blue line travels around the Oxford Courthouse is becoming a hassle for Oxford native, William Gipson. He was the only resident that came to the meeting to share his complaints about the intersections being dangerous to bus passengers. Gipson said the streets are not wide enough for O.U.T buses and other vehicles. He complained that having to shuffle through the traffic is unsafe. Commissioners said they would take Gipson’s suggestions into consideration at the next meetings to come in May and June.
Italiana Anderson 