[IMAGE]Badger-Bus2-full.jpg[/IMAGE]Tour and charter companies Badger Bus and Jefferson Lines have begun offering service to five college campuses, including the University of Wisconsin (UW) and the University of Minnesota (UM). 

This new service connects the colleges in Madison and Minneapolis and is aimed at reaching university students who are looking for affordable ways to get between cities without having to take cabs to the bus stop, according to John Meier, president of Madison, Wis.-based Badger Coaches Inc. 

Along with the UW campus in Madison, the coach companies will make stops at UW- La Crosse, Winona University, and at Coffman Union on the University of Minnesota Campus. Other stops along the route are La Crosse, Rochester, St. Paul and the Twin Cities airport. Connecting service is also available from the UW Milwaukee campus on Fridays and Sundays. 

Buses used on the new route will offer Wi-Fi as well as feature DVD movies during the trip. Passengers who purchase their ticket online receive a 15 percent to 20 percent discount off the walk up fare and will be guaranteed their seat.

Departure from the UW Madison Campus at the Memorial Union will be at 2:30 p.m. and will operate Friday through Monday. Departures from the UM Campus at the Coffman Union will be at 1:35 p.m. on Friday through Monday. During Thanksgiving week, extra service will be available on Tuesday and Wednesday before the holiday. 

“Students have long been asking for more affordable and better service, and we’ve responded by introducing this new 'College Connection,'” said Meier.