Beat the cold on and off campus with OU's Bear Bus services
By Victoria Lipscomb, media relations intern
As the cold winter weather approaches, there is no more opportune time to utilize the Bear Bus and its services.
Oakland University established the Bear Bus service three years ago as a housing initiative to provide transportation for resident students to get around campus as well as visit off-campus locations on the weekend.
“The goal is to provide transportation to the OU community, both on and off campus,” said Nick Desrochers Bear Bus Coordinator. “We would like to see the students more involved on campus.”
The bear bus offers two lines, the black line and gold line. Each line takes students around campus, to specific bear bus stop locations. The lines run clockwise and counter clockwise around campus, so riders can take the fastest route.
The Bear Bus shuttles run daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Bear Bus vans are primarily used on the weekends for special trips off campus.
“I find the bear bus and its services very convenient,” said OU student Patrick Peavy. “I live in the apartments and I am a music major so the majority of my classes are in Varner Hall, and the bear bus provides me with quick service to class.”
The bear bus has experienced an increase in ridership since its establishment. Last year its services had nearly 8,000 riders, this year officials are looking to see that number double.
The bear bus regularly provides transportation to off-campus locations, such as Great Lakes Crossing, Wal-Mart, Meijer, Yates Cider Mill, Taco Bell and more. It also provides an opportunity for students to get involved with Oakland University Housing programs and meet new people.
The bear bus and its services are free to any Oakland student, faculty, or staff members. Riders will need to show their OU spirit card in order to gain access to the van or shuttle for off campus trips.
“There is more energy and excitement about the bear bus this year,” said Desrochers. “We hold a large focus of what the students want and need.”
For additional information on the bear bus schedule, visit the website at oakland.edu/bearbus or contact a representative at bearbus@oakland.edu. Watch the video below for Bear Bus information and highlights.
OU's Bear Bus and Bear Shuttle services are perfect for getting around campus and to local businesses this winter.
Created by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 Modified by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Friday, November 16, 2012 Article Start Date: Wednesday, November 14, 2012
