By Cassy Sottile
News Editor
A college task force is continuing to update how transportation operates on campus.
Since the fall of 2018, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Dr. Sarah Feyerherm has led the task force in implementing changes across four issues related to transportation: the Washington College motor pool, shuttle system, ride sharing, and the waterfront campus. The most recent changes to campus transportation are to the shuttle system, which are being rolled out this semester.
“The Transportation Department partnered with American Limousine to transport students to and from stations for spring break,” Dean Feyerherm said.
American Limousine will provide transportation to and from BWI Airport, Philadelphia Airport, New Carrollton Train Station, and Wilmington Train Station, according to a Jan. 24 email from the Transportation Department.
The College previously partnered with American Limousine to help students return to campus from winter break.
“We wanted to give students plenty of time to sign up for the shuttle service beforehand and make their transportation plans earlier,” Dean Feyerherm said.
There is currently no cost to use the shuttle service this semester, but if a student’s travel plans change and the reservation is not canceled, there will be a $25 fee.
In addition to partnering with a shuttle service for breaks, the weekend shuttle service was also updated.
Students no longer sign up on WebAdvisor for the weekend shuttle service. Students must make reservations for the weekend shuttle service by emailing transportation@washcoll.edu with their name, student ID number, day and date for the shuttle, drop off location, and cell phone number, according to a Jan. 20 email.
The weekend shuttles will be operating only on Fridays and Saturdays this semester.
“Our decision about the weekend shuttles is up in the air. We are looking at the financial considerations of whether to outsource to a professional service or continue to operate through the College,” Dean Feyerherm said.
Dean Feyerherm and the transportation task force is in a “holding pattern” as they assess the shuttle services, minibuses, and how much services would cost students.
“We hope to reach a decision by the end of the semester,” Dean Feyerherm said.
By rolling out the announcement and other changes to the shuttle system earlier, Dean Feyerherm hopes to receive more feedback on the whole process.
According to Dean Feyerherm, the transportation model at most colleges and universities is outsourcing to professional entities.
To follow this model, the College is looking into partnerships with services such as Enterprise.
Over the course of the semester, the task force will examine ride sharing on campus, and they hope to upgrade the Safe Ride vans.
The task force is continuing to evaluate transportation for impromptu trips and discuss the best options for both the vacation and weekend shuttles.
“This is a temporary solution. We want to be responsive to the needs of the students,” Dean Feyerherm said.
Transportation to stations from campus will be operating on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7. Return trips to campus are available Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15.
Students should reserve their shuttle seats no later than March 4. Reservations should be sent to washcoll@amerlimo.com.
Any student with questions should reach out to Dean Feyerherm at sfeyerherm2@washcoll.edu