Getting from Point A to LB

Monday morning, the Linn Shuttle is cramped with people the Linn Shuttle and as it nears its next stop, another trimester at LBCC begins. Condensation lingers on the windows as the mixture of smells circulates the shuttle. More people climb into the crowded bus, finding handles to hold and empty seats to fill. Although considered a bit stuffy, and sometimes lack space, shuttles have become increasingly popular as a mode of transportation for students and commuters.

One of the many riders relying on the shuttle system is Carrie Wilson, in her fourth term as a Medical Assistant. She says she rides for the obvious reasons, “To save gas, it’s convenient, and free to students.”

There are many options for students to find alternative transportation to and from college. Shuttles and buses offering routes to LBCC and OSU include the Linn Shuttle, Linn-Benton Loop Bus and Albany Transit. Thanks to LBCC and OSU, students can take advantage of riding the Linn Shuttle, Linn-Benton Loop Bus and the Albany Transit for free with a student ID card. The cards only cost $10 and with these cards students have made their money back just after a day or two. This pass program is made possible for students from funding between partners from local government agencies including Linn and Benton Counties, LBCC, OSU, Hewlett-Packard as well as state and federal funds.

However, the shuttles and buses are not the only modes of transportation available to students. There is also the option of carpooling.

An option called “AlterNetRides” allows students to utilize a secure system that connects drivers and riders. Carpooling is made easier with this system, and there is no charge to the user. Students can designate preferences like “no smoking” or “no radio” to further advance their search.

According to Barry Hoffman, Albany transit program supervisor, the last three years have seen a substantial spike in shuttle ridership. The Linn-Benton Loop, which has 11 runs between Albany and Corvallis, provides transportation to LBCC and OSU for students. The Loop provides services to 105,843 commuters. Ridership has increased by 16,671 from 2007 to 2009. Of those riders, 46,738 commuters ride on LBCC passes and 28,040 commuters ride on OSU passes.

The Albany Transit buses are no different, having gained 27,525 riders since 2007. Part of the reason for the increase is “more people are choosing to use the service due to personal economic situations.” Hoffman said some causes for this increase circle around the decline of the economy, the rise in college enrollment, and gas prices.

The increase in commuters has had profound effects on the order of the shuttles and the number of routes. An example of this is the Albany Transit System that added an additional bus to the morning and afternoon commute from LBCC to downtown Corvallis in order to handle the increase in demand.

The increase in student enrollment and demand has posed a dilemma for shuttle and bus managers with routes being far from perfect. Ken Bronson, manager of the Sweet Home Senior Center, which operates the Linn Shuttle, met this dilemma after taking over his position in April 2010. He said he rode the shuttle and talked with other riders about what they would like to see improve. Not only did he add new morning and afternoon route, he delved deeper into how the shuttle could improve. When ridership decreased in the summer, he  used the time to analyze Sweet Home and Lebanon partners, as well as LBCC services to find when the highest usage was.

Transportation Quick Links
Linn Shuttle
Albany Transit
Linn-Benton Loop
Alternet Rides
Carpooling Options

“We revamped the routes and reshuffled everything to fit best for the fall term.”

Bruce Clemetsen agrees with the adjustments made to better facilitate students and commuters. “Shuttles have become an integral part in students being able to achieve education and have taken pressure off parking resources.”

However, there seems to not be enough shuttles and buses. “We continue to look for ways to expand transportation from federal and state grants.”

As gas climbs and more structures are being built, like the Samaritan Health Sciences Center in Lebanon, the need will only increase. However, with the overwhelming cost to own, operate and maintain shuttles and buses, there are no immediate additions to expect for the time being.