EDITORIAL: Daily bus loop unnecessary

Students could benefit from free weekend and holiday service to 30th Street Station. While the service would likely be free for students, the University and other institutions involved would have to foot part of the bill. And with multiple other ways to get to 30th Street -- including the free night-time Penn Shuttle Service; the $1.15-$1.60 bus, subway or trolley; $5 taxi cabs; or a short walk -- the level of student demand would probably not warrant the money Penn would have to shell out. Most students don't travel frequently to 30th Street Station during the week. Additionally, the buses would be of little use to students hurrying to catch a train, since the Circulator's early plans appear to leave the system open to abuse. It would be difficult for the buses to remain on schedule if students began using them to go from the high rises to class in David Rittenhouse Laboratory. A free daytime shuttle on weekends and during holidays, however, when train travel is heavier, would be a good addition to the current transit options. To make the service as efficient as possible -- and to discourage students from hopping a free ride around the block -- the shuttle should be limited to designated stops. And it need not run after 6 p.m., when Penn and Drexel University's own shuttles begin operation. Penn Transit Services and SEPTA already provide students with a variety of options for getting around the University City area. The University shouldn't funnel money into an unneeded service. But a bus route operating during heavy travel times would be worthwhile.