SILIZIWE MABUYA
The SRC has funded a trial bus service in the evenings for students living in and around Sunnyside and Arcadia. The service runs at no cost to students.
This initiative came as a result of students reportedly sleeping on campus due to a lack of nearby accommodation and affordable transport in the evenings. In an SRC survey, completed by 916 students, it was reported that 82% of students walked home late at night after studying in the library.
SRC President Mthokozisi Nkosi said that this was a major problem for students as many of them have reportedly been victims of robberies. Nkosi added that students should make use of the study facilities on campus and not feel discouraged by issues of safety. The bus service will be in operation for the duration of the exams in line with the extended library hours.
However, the long-term success of the bus service will depend on student usage. According to the Deputy Director of Facilities Management, Wessel Oosthuizen, the 2012 budget could not make provision for more bus services and so the additional funding was secured by the SRC.
Nkosi stated that if the students use the bus service it would help support their claim that this transport facility is needed. He said that this would secure future funding for earlier time intervals. Oosthuizen added, “We acknowledge students’ needs … we will assess this trial project and base[d] on the outcome we will decide on future service[s].”
The bus leaves from outside the CSC at 20:00, 22:00 and 24:00. The bus route includes the following roads: Lynnwood, Jorissen, Leyds, Park, Festival, Prospect and Jan Shoba.
Image: Brad Donald
