Holiday convenience

The Undergraduate Assembly is giving students something to be thankful for this holiday season.

The student government group has chartered a bus to shuttle students to the airport today and tommorrow. The service, which will run hourly from the Upper Quad Gate, is not just a convenient alternative to a $25 cab ride or a $5.50 train ride-- it is also proof that the UA has the potential to effect change that is relevant to students. The $765 initiative will only take up a slight percentage of the UA's $1.3 million budget, but it will make a big difference for the substancial portion of the student body that is flying home for Thanksgiving. Rather than laying out lofty long-term goals that often go unfulfilled, the UA has provided students with a concrete, tangible resource -- with almost no time delay. The proposal, which was passed last night and implemented immediately, shows that the body has the ability to mobilize quickly on issues. This is a nice change from the vague recommendations, ad hoc committees and unfinished plans that so often dot the UA's work. Both the body and the University should use this initiative as a jumping-off point. If it becomes apparent over the next few days that a significant number of students are using this service, it should be expanded to include more buses and cover more school breaks. The buses could also provide trips from the airport back to campus when students return from vacation. The University should consider allocating additional funds to the UA -- or perhaps it is the administration's responsibility to take over the project completely. For now, while the service is under the UA's jurisdiction, the body needs to take credit for it. Students need to be aware that the service exists and that the UA is sponsoring it. This type of marketing will futher legitimize the UA as a capable governing body that is attune to student needs. So, why not get on the bus? If nothing else, you will have an opportunity to interact with others outside of their immediate social circles. A free ride with your peers is certainly better than a pricey trip alone.

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