2008 Woodie Awards
Commuter Express, an inexpensive travel option
Ellen Stucki
Issue date: 1/31/07 Section: News
Does the commute from Idaho Falls to Pocatello seem unbearable at times? Imagine traversing the distance in an old army bus. Such was the case when the Idaho State University Commuter Express first started in 1978. Terry French, Director of Transportation, noted that the college used to "issue blankets in the winter to help the students stay warm." It's quite a contrast to the cushy touring buses the commuter bus system now employs.
The Commuter Express was initiated to help students with the long commute from Idaho Falls to Pocatello. Since its inception, the bus system has undergone a series of changes including the addition of more comfortable vehicles. The size of the fleet has also changed. Growing to 12 buses a day at its peak, the system currently runs six buses a day, five servicing Idaho Falls and one servicing Twin Falls. French stated that the development of the ISU-Idaho Falls campus greatly reduced the number of students needing to commute to Pocatello.
Currently the Commuter Express is not planning any changes in the number of buses it runs per day. In the past, the commuter bus system initiated an evening bus based on student requests for a later schedule. However, only a few students actually rode the bus consistently and the department lost nearly $6000 on the endeavor.
French stated that if demand warranted, the transportation department would increase the number of buses running each day.
"We fill buses up to capacity," said French. "If we had enough extra people, we would add another bus."
However, he also noted that they currently do not have a good assessment tool to measure demand. French mentioned that the bus schedule does not work for everyone, but currently the department has no way of estimating the percentage of students who don't use the bus system due to scheduling conflicts.
In addition to providing transportation for students, the Commuter Express also provides employment for several students. All Commuter Express drivers are ISU students trained by the university. Students must pass a written test as well as a practical driving test, both administered by the State of Idaho, in order to receive their commercial driver's license. However, ISU aids in this process by providing pre-inspection and driving training for students. French stated that utilizing student employees saves the department money and it also saves money for the student drivers because in addition to an hourly wage, drivers also receive a free commuter bus pass.
To find out more about the ISU Commuter Express bus system, contact their office at 282-4975, or visit their website at http://www.isu.edu/departments/transp/commuter/index.html.
The Commuter Express was initiated to help students with the long commute from Idaho Falls to Pocatello. Since its inception, the bus system has undergone a series of changes including the addition of more comfortable vehicles. The size of the fleet has also changed. Growing to 12 buses a day at its peak, the system currently runs six buses a day, five servicing Idaho Falls and one servicing Twin Falls. French stated that the development of the ISU-Idaho Falls campus greatly reduced the number of students needing to commute to Pocatello.
Currently the Commuter Express is not planning any changes in the number of buses it runs per day. In the past, the commuter bus system initiated an evening bus based on student requests for a later schedule. However, only a few students actually rode the bus consistently and the department lost nearly $6000 on the endeavor.
French stated that if demand warranted, the transportation department would increase the number of buses running each day.
"We fill buses up to capacity," said French. "If we had enough extra people, we would add another bus."
However, he also noted that they currently do not have a good assessment tool to measure demand. French mentioned that the bus schedule does not work for everyone, but currently the department has no way of estimating the percentage of students who don't use the bus system due to scheduling conflicts.
In addition to providing transportation for students, the Commuter Express also provides employment for several students. All Commuter Express drivers are ISU students trained by the university. Students must pass a written test as well as a practical driving test, both administered by the State of Idaho, in order to receive their commercial driver's license. However, ISU aids in this process by providing pre-inspection and driving training for students. French stated that utilizing student employees saves the department money and it also saves money for the student drivers because in addition to an hourly wage, drivers also receive a free commuter bus pass.
To find out more about the ISU Commuter Express bus system, contact their office at 282-4975, or visit their website at http://www.isu.edu/departments/transp/commuter/index.html.
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