Due to the safety concerns of Southeastern administrators, the Lion Traxx shuttle stop in Friendship Circle has been relocated to Azalea Circle in front of Pursley hall.
“This is an administrative change due to safety concerns,” said Gary Prescott, director of the shuttle service. “It’s a high pedestrian traffic area. There have been no incidents in the past, there, but I guess it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
In addition to the new stop in front of Pursley, a new bus stop has been established in front of the recently converted Cardinal Newman Hall on Dakota Street. The building was recently reverted into a residence hall in order to accommodate students displaced by renovations in Zachary Taylor Hall.
The bus route has changed, going down Dakota Street to North General Pershing rather than cutting through Friendship Circle. Prescott recognized that this change will be an inconvenience to some students, but there is an up side.
“Because the moved stop is right by Mims hall, it will be easier for students to contact the Division of Student Affairs, like SGA [Student Government Association]; they won’t have to walk all the way to Mims,” said Prescott. “We are sorry for any inconvenience because of this, but if any one has any questions, please contact me at the shuttle service or your student government.”
Student Government Association (SGA) President Branden Summers feels that if safety is a concern in Friendship Circle, then all traffic should be blocked. Summers revealed that completely closing the circle to traffic is being talked about by the administration.
“I’ve met with President Crain about these stops and I can tell you that there is a plan in the future to shut down Friendship Circle to traffic, but we don’t know much about that yet,” said Summers. “As to whether the new stops will become permanent, I don’t know. The current problem with that is money. Making these stops permanent would mean a fee increase, which we don’t want to push on the students right now.”
Summers received numerous complaints about the new stops before classes began on Jan. 22, but oddly has not heard a single one since.
“Personally, I’m indifferent,” said Summers. “But how the students feel is how I feel, and I will support them if they want to work towards a change.”
According to Summers, any students with questions or qualms can reach him by email at branden.summers@selu.edu, or visit the SGA office in Mims Hall.
While many things are not set in stone, sophomore nursing major Holly Spadoni is willing to walk a little farther if her safety is concerned.
“I feel that if it’s for safety, it’s a good decision,” said Spadoni. The new stop in Azalea Circle really isn’t that far away from the old one in Friendship Circle. If they’re just looking out for our safety, then I think that is what’s best.”