EMMA PIRHALA / NEWS EDITOR

MAE O’MALLEY / ASST. NEWS EDITOR

Every day, students make the trek between their residence halls and USD’s  main campus. Although it’s a relatively short commute compared to other universities, USD students must circumvent construction, faulty elevators and hilly terrain to make it to their destination on time. Because of this, many students turn to USD’s trams to get from point A to point B. However, the recent growth of the University’s undergraduate population has strained the trams, leading to crowded shuttles, an insufficient number of routes and a lack of drivers. 

USD sophomore Neve Borgerding explained how the increased demand for the trams has impacted her daily routine. 

“When I take the tram in the afternoon back to my dorm, it can get pretty packed,” Borgerding expressed. “They’re pretty reliable, so I would say the only main issue is when there aren’t enough seats and it gets hot and cramped.” 

To solve this pressing issue, USD Tram Services has turned to students to drive extra eco-shuttles in the afternoon. The position description, listed on USD’s Student Employment website, explains that students will operate 14-passenger eco-shuttles around campus, serving other students, faculty, staff and guests. Eco-shuttles are similar to the golf carts driven around campus, with the main distinction being that their purpose is to transport passengers. Interested students need to possess a valid Class C non-commercial license and a spotless driving record, meaning no accidents on your record. Tram Services also noted a preference of upperclassmen for the position, requiring individuals with over three years of driving experience. Eco-shuttle student drivers will earn $16.85, San Diego’s minimum wage, and work approximately 10-12 hours each week in the afternoon. 

Sean Horrigan, USD’s Director of University Mobility and Scheduling, commented on the recent pressure on campus transportation as a whole. 

“We know that the demand for efficient transportation across campus is high, and students rely on trams to get to class and other locations,” Horrigan stated. “We want to look for creative ways to meet this demand using our current resources. We like to adjust our service as campus facilities and population change.”

Horrigan explained that the decision to hire student drivers stemmed from a commitment to creative problem solving and maximizing resources that the department already has.

“We want to use our existing resources to the fullest extent possible,” Horrigan said. “In the afternoon and evenings, we currently have two eco-shuttles that are not being used. Hiring student staff to drive is a great way to use these   shuttles to better serve the campus. We currently have four student drivers. The initiative is still early in its implementation, but the feedback is positive.”

The USD Vista attempted to contact the student drivers for comment, however no student drivers     were  available. Borgerding reacted to the addition of student tram drivers to help relieve  the pressure on the shuttles. 

“That sounds like a liability to me, but I guess I’m not going to complain if it  means the  trams     will be less crowded,” Borgerding said. 

USD sophomore Kylie Huynh supports the new initiative and praised the innovative solution. 

“I honestly think that’s such a great idea because I know students are always looking for jobs, and it benefits everyone by having more transportation on campus,” Huynh explained.

The addition of more tram routes throughout the day raises some concerns regarding the environmental impact of the vehicles. However, Horrigan explained that the student-driven eco-shuttles are fully electric and USD plans to continue this trend with any further acquisitions. 

“Any future shuttles added to our fleet would also be electric,” Horrigan stated. “USD’s long-term plan is to transition all fuel carts to electric, so we are staying aligned with that goal.”

Despite the introduction of student tram drivers, USD students still face long wait times and crowded shuttles. As the University expands, Tram Services intends to keep creating innovative solutions to help students get across campus with faster and simpler solutions.