Newest shuttle bus runs the Inner Loop

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by Peggy Lai

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A new shuttle bus arrived on campus April 18. According to Transportation Manager Eugen Radulescu, another one is scheduled to arrive in two to three weeks.

"This is a major step forward toward improvement," Radulescu said. "I am happy. I'd love to see the students using the bus."

The shuttle driver agrees. "I can feel it. This is a more reliable bus," Robert Ruiz said.

According to Radulescu, the search for new shuttle buses began about nine or 10 months ago, and it ended with a 1996 Champion Commodore built by Champion Motor Coach Inc. of Imlay City, Mich. Rice worked closely with Champion Motor Coach Inc. and the Texas Commercial Bus dealership to create a bus suitable for Rice's needs.

One of the major problems with the old buses was that they consumed too much electricity and, due to frequent halts, their alternators were unable to sufficiently recharge. The new bus was designed to reduce electrical consumption by using energy-saving fluorescent lights.

"I'm very excited about the new shuttle bus. The excessive maintenance problems with the older busses made service costly and unreliable. With this new bus and another new bus scheduled to arrive in a few weeks, students should see a marked improvement in service. Plus, it looks snazzy," undergraduate representative on the Parking and Traffic Committee Mike Munson said.

Rice has not yet paid for the shuttle, which is being test-driven on the Inner Loop route to ensure its suitability.

The projected cost for the bus is $66,253. The price may vary slightly depending on whether or not modifications are made to the bus. Price negotiations went on for a month. The warranty on the new bus is a three-year or 36,000 mile (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper warranty and covers damage to everything but the glass and tires.

Advantages the new bus has over the old buses include:

* A much more powerful alternator;

* Two 8D batteries to provide more electrical energy;

* 21 seats, instead of 15;

* A better air-conditioning system

* Electronically controlled placards to indicate bus route, rather than plastic posters which must be changed manually.

Currently, the bus has no inside rear-view mirror because it is part of the price modification package.

However, one will soon be installed. For the most part, though, the reaction to the buses has been positive.

"Students think [the new bus] is better; it doesn't bounce as much," Ruiz said.

This item appeared in the News section of the April 26, 1996 issue.

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