Trudging across campus with a backpack full of books and supplies can be daunting, especially during August’s heat or January’s cold. Fortunately for students, though, the U provides a fleet of small buses that can shorten the walk for free.

There are six shuttle routes that run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Two of the routes operate during the evening with modified runs and go until 11:30 p.m. A seventh route operates around the hospital until 9 p.m.

Commuter Services oversees and pays for the shuttles.

For Kevin Breen, an undeclared freshman, the shuttles have more than come in handy. “I couldn’t walk the distance without it,” he said. Breen added that in using the shuttles for a year, he has yet to run into any major delays. “I’ve had no problems,” he said.

The route details and schedules are posted online at www.parking.utah.edu/shuttles/index.html. Shuttle driver Chris Langland said to expect minor changes to be made to the online listings over the next few weeks.

The shuttle system is trying to sync up with the TRAX trains. Identification is not needed to ride the shuttles. Riders with special needs can use the shuttles after 6 p.m. with 24-hour notification and are encouraged to call 581-4189 to make arrangements.

Lennie Mahler

Campus shuttles run on six different routes, every 10 minutes before 2 p.m.