Having to walk to class with Indiana's ever-changing weather can be a drag; the Student Government Association is trying to change that for students who live on the east side of campus by proposing a new bill.
The blue loop extension bill would allow for the blue loop university shuttle buses to run year-round on campus rather than only being available in the winter.
SGA President-elect Greg Carbo and Michael Brandon, SGA representative and writer of the bill, have been working with each other in hopes of getting the bill passed.
“There needed to be some type of initiative shown behind it from the students, to show that there’s student support and that student government is actively trying to get this passed," Brandon said.
Carbo said the two have heard from a lot of students who have said the blue loop is important to them.
If the blue loop extension bill passes through the SGA Senate, it will then go to the Board of Transportation Services. If passed there, it will go to the University Senate and then onto the Board of Trustees for final approval.
Although the bill has not yet been presented to transportation services, Bruce Piner, supervisor of transportation services, said they are "aware of the bill."
"I think it's needed, especially with the building and construction going on over on Riverside [Avenue]. I think it's something we're going to have to do," Piner said. "It is a route that's very needed and very well used, and we would like to see it go year-round."
Piner said that transportation services has not yet had any meetings to discuss the bill because it's still in its early stages.
The price of extending the blue loop varies on how long the route runs, Piner said. If it's a daily route that runs from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., the cost will be between $1,500 and $2,000 a week, depending on who is operating the bus.
Brandon said the expense of running the bus comes into play with the new bill.
“The problem in the past has always been funding,” Brandon said.
Having students on campus showing an interest in the blue loop bus running year-round is what can put support behind the bill and show the university this is what’s needed.
“The university has had reservations in the past for implementing a similar plan and putting in the extra money, but are afraid it will not be used enough," Brandon said. "We just need to show that there’s enough support behind the bill to show that it will be used and is worthwhile for the campus."
Brandon has been going around to students and asking them to sign a petition for the bill. He’s also gone to different organizations to get support.
“This shows students what we can do if we're given the ability to," Carbo said. "You know, to show people that if you want to make a change on this campus, you can.”
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