The Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) is asking the city to provide more bus service on campus during peak hours.
Currently, there are three buses that come to campus in addition to the O-Train—the 4, 7, and 111.
It is important to note that compared to other post-secondary institutions in Ottawa such as Algonquin College and the University of Ottawa, we are already poorly situated geographically.
Unlike those schools, we do not have bus services that run to our campus overnight. The 111 doesn’t even come on weekends.
This is unacceptable. Students not only need, but are expected to come to campus on weekends for group assignments, to use the library, and to work. If the library is open later than buses run, something needs to give.
Carleton students who live in residence should be able to leave campus without expecting to be stranded in another part of Ottawa for the night.
When even one tuition-paying student cannot attend classes because full buses are driving past him or her, there’s a systemic issue. It is CUSA’s responsibility to advocate for student needs and they have stepped up to the plate.
Although the review for bus routes is not until January 2014, and changes won’t be made until September 2014, the city can take some steps now. Why not make the 4, 7, and 111 double decker or articulated buses during peak hours?
Students don’t just want more bus service, they need it.
