Students explore alternative transportation options

Getting around campus can be a challenge sometimes, especially during class changes and other busy times of the day. Tech's transportation system is a vital lifeline for students without other means to get across campus.

The addition of the North Avenue Apartments has made notable changes to the Institute's transportation system. Many Tech students have discovered changes in the way the Stingers are running. What does this mean to students in regards to transportation?

The Stingers and Tech Trolleys now have longer routes and can be crowded from time-to-time. This is compounded with the common problem of unpredictable waiting times due to traffic on the streets and a number of other factors.

Although Tech's department of Parking and Transportation is doing all it can to ameliorate the situation, there are many viable alternatives to bus transportation.

Walking

Be old-school and walk to class. Despite Tech's location in the middle of downtown Atlanta, the campus is conveniently lined with wide sidewalks and attractive green space. Walking helps combat the infamous "freshman fifteen" by providing necessary exercise and physical activity.

For all those people groaning already when thinking about Freshman Hill, there are shortcuts. Try walking past the East Campus fraternities on Fourth Street and up the much gentler slope towards the library instead. Explore in between classes to find several more useful shortcuts. Additionally, on a busy day, walking can actually takes less time than riding the buses.

However, there are drawbacks to walking as well, such as exposure to the elements. The summer heat and humidity in Atlanta can be unbearable, with temperatures well over a hundred degrees. Rain and pollen are other common grievances that come with outdoor exposure.

Skates

A lot of people speed up the walking process by using skates and skateboards to get around campus. On flat areas, they can be a great way to get around, but keep the dangers in mind, too. Downhill slopes are especially dangerous due to a decreased locus of control. Conversely, going uphill on boards and skates is even harder than trekking uphill on foot.

Biking

Bicycle transportation is an increasingly popular option for getting around campus. In most cases, riding a bike is the quickest form of transportation. Bikes are small enough to coast on sidewalks and are generally safe to operate on inclines.

Bicycle transportation has its disadvantages as well. Many pedestrians get angry when cyclists hog the sidewalk and just as many drivers are frustrated about having to wait for a biker in the middle of the road. Make sure to be considerate of others and properly signal pedestrians and cars.

Also, be vigilant of the many busy intersections found around Tech. Unlike pedestrians, bikers have to obey most standard traffic laws. Four-way stops and one-way roads can make biking even more complex.

Be sure to leave time to lock up a bicycle when unattended. When locking up a bike, Tech police recommend U-locks, which are harder to break. Many people will also unclip their back wheel for extra safety.

Vespas

The iconic Italian motor scooters have begun to appear on campus. Unlike cars, Vespas have more flexibility with parking areas. They can also cut through the campus instead of sticking to the roads. A Vespa does not require a parking permit and is not limited to a single lot.

A major downfall to this form of transportation is the hefty price tag attached. Most models run between $2,000 and $4,000.

Cars

Although driving a car is the fastest and most comfortable way to get around campus, it is not the most convenient. Cars cannot be moved around Tech's campus during the school day; a permit allows a student to park in only one lot. Moreover, rising gas prices make a car the most expensive form of transportation available.

After 5 p.m., however, permit holders are generally free to park on a variety of different lots around campus. The CRC and Student Center decks open to any Tech permit holder after hours with a simple swipe of a Buzzcard.

Cars are also great for going to popular off-campus hangouts, like Atlantic Station, restaurants and the grocery store. They can also hold multiple passengers, which is convenient for transporting groups.

There are many ways to get around campus, and there are advantages and disadvantages to all of these options. Often, students will combine options, depending on the combination that best suits an individual's needs. Regardless of the method you choose, keep in mind the following things: anti-theft measures, safety, time and the rules of the road.