Campus Loop service a benefit

Increased ridership expected as winter weather hits, official says

With one semester under its belt operating the new Campus Loop “Route 7” service at Lakeland Community College, officials say Laketran has proved to be a beneficial campus amenity to students, faculty and visitors alike.

“We’re averaging about 1,000 monthly riders using the Campus Loop service,” said Laketran CEO Ben Capelle. “And we anticipate the ridership will increase as the winter weather hits at the start of next semester.”

According to a news release, a few changes to the service will be made in preparation for the spring semester which begins on Jan. 12.

To improve access to all areas of campus, Laketran is adding two additional bus stops to serve the B building, adjacent to the handicap parking lot, and the Engineering Building.

With input from Lakeland students and employees, Laketran is also purchasing two new 15-passenger New England Wheels FrontRunner buses from TESCO Bus Company, based in Oregon, Ohio.

Laketran began the service last semester operating a paratransit-style vehicle typically used in Diala-Ride operations, Capelle said.

“However, a more fuelefficient, low-floor shuttle bus, similar to something you may use for airport transportation, will improve access and efficiency for the route,” he added.

Last week, Lakeland announced the construction of an on-campus residence hall, scheduled to be completed in August 2020.

“We’re really excited to hear about the expansion of housing on campus,” Capelle said. “If you don’t have access to adequate housing and transportation, it’s difficult to succeed in others areas of life, like work or getting an education.

“Lakeland is very forward-thinking to make sure students are supported with these two basic needs so they can succeed in the classroom.”

Lakeland President Morris W. Beverage Jr. said the addition of Campus Loop is a great asset to the school.

“They’ve all done a fantastic job. The vehicles are well-maintained and we’ve seen the drivers getting to know our students. That’s important. The service has been outstanding all around.”

Current stops on the Loop are: • Clocktower

• West Lot A

• Holden University Center

• West Lot B

• North Lot A

• North Lot B

• C-Building

• T-Building

• E-Building

• B-Building (Call 440350-LOOP 15 minutes prior to schedule a pick-up.)

A Campus Loop flyer can be downloaded here.

The Loop’s hours of operation are Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. with service every 10 minutes and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to noon with service every 20 minutes.

Campus Loop connects with Laketran Local Routes 1-6 at the Clocktower bus stop.

Students can ride Local Routes free with a valid Lakeland Student ID anytime, anywhere.

SUBMITTED Lieutenant Steve Gagliardi of Lakeland’s Campus Police, center, evaluates a demo bus for Campus Loop service with Lakeland and Laketran staff.