Web Extra: Ridership bump prompts LSU student driver program revival

[IMAGE]LSUCampusTransitBus2WEB-2.jpg[/IMAGE] With an estimated 10 percent to 20 percent uptick in Campus Transit van nighttime ridership this year over last year, Baton Rouge, La.-based Louisiana State University (LSU) is reaching out to students to get more part-time drivers.

Gary Graham, director of the Office of Parking, Traffic and Transportation, said the office has been putting more emphasis on getting out the word to new students about the nighttime availability of the Campus Transit vans, which has bumped up ridership and prompted the need for more drivers as a result. “[Campus Transit] a very important aspect of what LSU does to promote safety among students," he explained. "Obviously the word is getting out because we have seen an increase in ridership this year.”

The Office of Parking, Traffic and Transportation currently employs three students as part-time drivers. The service runs from 5:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

The student driver program was started by students in 1984. In the 1990s the program was turned over to the Office of Parking, Traffic and Transportation and has seen a recent revival after LSU’s recent campaign to recruit more student drivers. “We can’t hire any more full time people so we’re looking to increase our student employment,” Graham said. The Office announced the job openings on Facebook and Twitter and put ads on buses.

The student hiring process and training entail about one to two week’s worth of training. Students also are required to get a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and to pass the state driving test in addition to passing the typical background checks required for every employee.