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[Pauline Baniqued/The Daily Pennsylvanian] Penn researcher Marcy Dinius waits near 34th and Walnut streets for the Campus Loop van. The new service has seen light use so far.

Since the University began offering an additional form of transit last week, very few students have taken advantage of it.

The Campus Loop began running as a pilot program on Nov. 28 under the supervision of Penn Transit in response to safety concerns on campus.

Unlike other Penn transportation services, the new van stops at every intersection as it runs along Spruce and Walnut streets between 34th and 40th streets. Students looking for a ride can get on or off at any stop.

The Loop runs at approximately 20 minute intervals, depending on traffic, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. every day.

So far, Transportation Manager Ron Ward said, the number of users has been "fairly light."

Rhea Lewis, a spokeswoman for Business Services, said students just aren't familiar with the program.

"It's still very new," Lewis said. "Students are still getting used to it, or they need to remember that they have it."

The Loop has seen varying success during its nine nights of service. The fewest number of riders for one night has been six and the highest has been 62.

Neither Ward nor Lewis attributes the low numbers to poor advertising.

Penn Transit has publicized the program through advertisements in The Daily Pennsylvanian, PennPortal and the Penn Almanac.

Lewis said the Loop could potentially grow in popularity because it is different from other services currently offered by the Transit office, such as the Penn Shuttle or PennBus.

"If students are going just for a few blocks, this may be something that is easier for you to do because it stops at every corner," Lewis said.

Both Ward and Lewis said the program must run for a full month before any conclusions can be reached.

"We're really not sure if this is something that people are going to use," Lewis said.

College sophomore Gayani Abeyasinghe is aware of the service but has yet to try it.

Abeyasinghe said that most students are in a rush and do not have time to wait for the Loop to arrive.

"I don't know exactly what time it comes," she said. "I would use it if I saw it coming by."

Engineering junior Ankit Agarwal said that students may be less likely to ride the Loop and other transit systems because of time issues.

"I don't think it would be of much help, given that people want to get to places at specific times," he said. "I can't wait for it to come and be late for my meeting."

He said that he would not take the Loop to get back to his room, either.

By walking, he said, "you don't have to plan or think or worry about something else."

Those who wish to use the service should look for a Penn Transit van with a "Campus Loop" sign. Riding is free but requires a valid PennCard.

The Campus Loop van stops at every main intersection -- those with a stop sign or traffic light -- beginning at the northeast corner of 34th and Walnut streets, going west to 44th and Walnut streets, turning south on 44th Street to Spruce Street, going east on Spruce Street to 33rd Street, going north on 33rd Street to Walnut Street and then traveling west on Walnut Street once again.

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