ETSU officials are seeking input from students for a survey that would determine how to implement a free, commuter shuttle service.
The service, operated by Johnson City Transit Service, would run out of Gray, Tenn., and serve students commuting from Kingsport, Hawkins County, Colonial Heights and Southwest Virginia.
The three-question, online survey is designed to find out if and when commuters would use the shuttle service, said Carla Warner, director of Adult, Commuter and Transfer Services. ACTS is working in cooperation with Johnson City Transit to implement the program.
“We’re interested in knowing the heaviest usage times for students,” she said.
So far, about 179 students have taken the survey, but more input is needed, she said.
“Right now, we’re still in the data-gathering process,” said Warner, who hopes to pass along the information to the Johnson City Transit System within the next two weeks. If all goes as planned, the program could be implemented at the beginning of spring semester, Warner said.
The idea for the program was conceived in September when students issued their concerns about gas prices and a lack of on-campus parking to the administration, Warner said. Other universities have implemented similar programs in an attempt to reduce the demand for parking as well, though not all are free.
The survey, designed by a Johnson City Transit representative, can be found online at www.etsu.edu/students/ACTS/survey.asp.
It is also available by going to the ACTS web site at www.etsu.edu/students/acts/ and clicking on the link marked “ACTS Park and Ride Survey.”
Adult, Commuter and Transfer Services is part of Student Affairs and was implemented to serve the needs of commuter, transfer and non-traditional students at ETSU.
ACTS is located on the second floor of the Culp Center and offers information on university resources and events, as well as academic advisement, career advisement, assistance and referral.
For more information on ACTS or the park and ride survey, call 439-5641.

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