Whether or not you use the Red Hawk Shuttle Service on campus, you’ve probably heard that those who do can end up waiting quite a while before they are able to board. The waits can grow very long, whether because no shuttles have passed by for a while, or because they have all been full. Last year, Grand Marshal Max Yates ’06 and the Student Senate made an effort to establish a shuttle tracking system so that those wishing to ride the shuttles could see where currently were on campus in order to estimate how long of a wait they would have. Funding was secured, initial implementation was projected as early as the start of the Fall 2005 semester, more discussions were held, and then the delays began. The beginning of fall became October; then, it was projected for spring, and so on. We are now halfway through the Fall 2006 semester, and shuttle tracking has still not turned into a reality. This has left many to wonder just what has caused such a long delay on a project that will clearly benefit those who use the shuttles.
While it takes a fair amount of time to bring about changes, the delays on this project have been immense. In general, funding is often the hold up on these types of projects, but that was secured early. Thus, in this case, money could not have been the true cause. This prompts the question, “Why, then?” Regardless of the reason, though, as we pass the mid-point of the Fall 2006 semester, we hope that this system finally comes to fruition by this term’s end.
Recently, the more technical aspects of the project were handed off in large part to two students receiving independent study credit for their work. Hopefully, they will be able to complete the remaining work, along with the help of the Administrative Division, and finally make this project a reality. After the shuttle tracking service gets completed, it also will be important for people to remember that independent study students worked hard on this project. The Senate should not attempt to take credit for work that is no longer all its own. To this end, when it comes time for elections next spring, voters should be wary of candidates who list the tracking system as one of their own chief accomplishments.
