Hidden Resources: Tarleton State University shuttle services

BY ANNABETH JOHNSON / Multimedia Journalist

From taking scooters to class to walking back to your dorm after dark, Tarleton State University students may find they prefer a larger, safer form of on-campus transportation. 

The Tarleton Police Department recognizes this dilemma and offers free rides via their purple shuttles with routes all across campus. 

Each route varies depending on who is receiving a ride and the time of day that they are picked up. There are a few spots off-campus where the shuttles can pick people up and drop people off such as the commuter parking lots. 

Rachel Fenwick has driven the shuttles here on campus for a few months now and shares the benefits of utilizing this resource. 

“It helps with kids being able to get around campus especially if they cannot afford a parking pass on campus,” Fenwick said. “Or if they do not want to walk back late at night to where they are coming from. They help with the safety of students.”

Kelly De La Torre is a student at Tarleton who has been using the shuttles since her freshman year. Now healing from an injury, shuttle services have become extremely useful in getting her to and from some of her classes.

“Since I am not able to walk far, I am able to get a ride to anywhere on campus that I need to go,” De La Torre said. “I have taken routes from O.A. Grant to dhall or Texan Village to the library. As a student, by taking these shuttles, you are saving gas too.” 

De La Torre also stresses the safety for students that this service offers especially late at night. 

“Sometimes I don’t feel comfortable to walk places late at night so it is a good system in keeping people safe,” De La Torre said. “I think that this free transportation is a really good resource we have that every student should take advantage of.”

To request a free campus ride between the hours of 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday call the control center at their number at 254-968-9265.