Staff Editorial

Part of the appeal of going to school in a city is getting to explore the urban terrain. Campus already feels secluded from the hustle of the city, the added obstacle of transportation fees can impede students from exploring freely.

Duquesne is the only university in Pittsburgh that does not provide free public transit. To receive free bus passes, students would be charged a $500 transportation fee on their tuition bill, according to Adam Wasilko, faculty advisor to The Student Government Association.

For many students, free transportation could change everything. It would alleviate some stress of getting around and could incentivise students to interact with the city around them.

Getting off campus helps students learn more about life, themselves and the world, all things that support the pursuit of a higher education. Creating access to off-campus destinations creates access to culture and new perspectives.

Currently all transportation options for students come with an upfront cost.

An on-campus parking pass for the academic year is $909. Even at the discounted rate of $1.90 per ride, taking the bus twice a day, 5 days a week for the academic year comes to approximately $570. This figure accounts for just using transit to commute to campus and back home.

The South Side Shuttle, which is paid for through SGA’s budget, is a good option for some commuters, but isn’t of much use to those living anywhere else in the city.

The shuttle also does not run on weekends.

At the start of the 2022 school year, the university also implemented discounted PRT fare and a weekend shuttle program which ran stops to South Side, Oakland and Waterfront.

The weekend shuttle system was disbanded due to low riding numbers, according to SGA.

The weekend shuttle destinations are all great to visit, but they aren’t all Pittsburgh has to offer. Having access to other parts of the city could encourage students to use shuttle offerings more frequently. Alternatively, having the option of free transit would give students the ability to explore.

College is a time of discovering the world and it should be the university’s responsibility to aid students in that to the best of their ability.

The choice to opt in for free public transit should at least be there or the school should consider bringing back the weekend shuttle with different destination options.

With proper outreach and surveying, the school could engage students on what their transportation needs and wants are. Whether the student body wants this is up to them, but the opportunity should be presented to make a well informed decision.