By Megan Callahan 

Spectator Staff Writer 

VSU purchased three new buses just in time for the fall semester, according to an email from the Parking and Transportation Department.  

 The three new buses will be part of the Blazer Shuttle Express that operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

The VSU shuttle buses have been a big help to students without a car. Some students prefer the bus rather than driving because not only is it more convenient, but it is also a cheaper alternative. 

  Alyssa Bradshaw, a sophomore business major, said she appreciated the new vehicles. “The buses are cleaner than the other ones, but they are a little small,” said Bradshaw. 

Assistant Director of Parking and Transportation Anthony Bryant pointed out the main reason for the decision to purchase new buses. 

 “The old fleet was outdated,” he said. 

However, even though some students think that the new buses are a good idea, other students feel that the old busses were better.  “There have been times when it’s gotten so cramped that not enough people were able to get on. “And when everyone fits, it is packed so it’s not very safe,” said Junior Savannah Davis.  

 Bryant confirmed that the new buses are smaller. “The new shuttle buses have 14 passenger seats,” he said. According to Bradshaw, the old buses were twice as big as the new ones. The old ones seated 28 people. 

 Bryant said replacing buses is rare. 

“This is the second time a fleet of buses has been purchased” during the 28 years I’ve been working at VSU, Bryant said. 

 Bryant explained why it takes a long time to replace buses. 

“There’s a specific process that the university must go through when purchasing a fleet of vehicles. The process for purchasing buses took several years to see it through,” he said. 

 Students also have the option of taking the Blazer Safe Ride to and from different places on campus or off. That service helps students feel safer late at night and operates from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.