Though it may not feel like it, there are more buses serving UC Santa Cruz students on weekdays than last year.
As many of you know, UCSC’s Transportation and Parking Services preserved many Metro routes that were set to be eliminated and increased the level of weekday service. TAPS has also increased shuttle service at peak times by reducing some service (weeknight Night Owl and downtown Bike Shuttle).
However, TAPS and Metro continue to refine service, particularly in light of a class schedule that was completely revised. We need your input.
Four student focus groups will take place over the next three weeks to solicit student input to help define student transit services for next year and beyond.
• Monday, October 3rd from 12-1pm
• Thursday, October 6th from 6-7pm
• Thursday, October 13th from 12-1pm
• Tuesday, October 18th from 6-7pm
All focus groups will take place in the Baytree Conference Center (Cervantes and Velasquez room). Free pizza and beverages will be provided to those who register online at least 24 hours in advance.
Over the summer, Metro staff worked with TAPS to develop a schedule to accommodate the revised class schedule. They are currently analyzing ridership data with the hope to fine-tune Metro’s UCSC service schedule for Winter Quarter. To assist in that process, they are soliciting feedback from riders when they are unable to board Metro buses due to capacity loads. Riders are encouraged to submit a Customer Service Report detailing the route number, the bus stop location, and the date and time when this occurs.
Historically, ridership on both Metro and campus transit is about 15 percent greater during the first two weeks of Fall Quarter than the overall quarterly average. Based on that pattern, we expect to see fewer pass-bys in the weeks to come.
