High Jack Pass Use Prompts Service Increase

After a big increase in riders following the introduction of Humboldt State’s Jack Pass program, weekend bus service for the city of Arcata has expanded to include hourly service from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Previously, service was every two hours and only from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The expanded service comes after the Redwood Transit System reported a noticeable increase in HSU-related ridership since June 2007. According to reports, nearly 128,000 rides were recorded from June 2008 to June 2009, up from 44,000 in 2007/08.

To meet rider demand, new busses have been ordered and local transit agencies are currently discussing ways to further expand service in the near future.

University Police are encouraging students, staff and faculty to use the Jack Pass to ease traffic congestion on campus as more vehicles compete for fewer parking spaces

Construction of the new College Creek Apartments has prompted the removal of the Harpst Street parking lot and several metered parking stalls at the intersection of Harpst and Rossow streets. The parking meters have been “recycled” and replaced along B Street, north of the Harpst and Rossow Intersection.

Traffic re-routing has resulted in more vehicles traveling through campus. As a result, the university is exploring a variety of traffic calming measures. Already, speed bumps have proven effective in slowing vehicles traveling through the Library Parking Lot and stop signs will be installed on Laurel Drive near the top of the Gist Hall staircase.

In a related note, campus police remind staff, faculty, students and the community that parking permit rules are enforced Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Friday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., including campus furlough days. Parking permit rules are not enforced on days that the campus is closed.