It's the end of the line for the Octobus.
The University believes that ridership on last month's Octobus trial was too low to merit a permanent service, despite optimism from the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly.
The 13-seat evening-shuttle service, which ran every 30 to 45 minutes between campus and Center City, attracted up to 80 riders an evening.
"We believe that this shows there's strong interest for the service, and that if you run it more frequently, people will ride it," said GAPSA chairman Dan Grabell.
However, students who wrote e-mails to Business Services in support of the shuttle service received a response that noted "the ridership data . did not support the continuation of the" Octobus.
The primary goal of the trial was to determine whether
graduate students, many of whom live in Center City, would use a service that brought them between campus, their residences and other appointments in Center City.
"I live in Old City, so it's pretty convenient to come back from school" on the shuttle, said second year Wharton MBA student Guillaume Bourcier.
Bourcier, who appreciated being able to take the shuttle to at least Broad Street on his way home, described the shuttle as being "usually pretty packed."
Given the recent spate of violent crimes in Philadelphia, safety remains a big concern for GAPSA and the Undergraduate Assembly as they consider students' transportation needs.
College senior and UA chairman Jason Karsh, who has not yet seen the results of the trial, said that he was "disappointed that they're discontinuing the service, especially given the continued focus on safety."
Grabell added that recent events only "emphasize the need for the Octobus."
The e-mail also indicated that Business Services' "decision to invest in the pilot is just one demonstration" of the University's commitment toward improving student life.
However, this statement is inaccurate, Grabell said. The trial was funded in full by GAPSA and the UA.
Business Services Spokeswoman Barbara Lea-Kruger declined to comment on the decision at this time.
GAPSA believes there is an ongoing need for transportation to more eastern areas of Center City, where many graduate students have migrated in recent years.
The Assembly plans to meet with Business Services soon to reconsider the viability of such a service.
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