MSU officials met with students during several meetings at the end of fall and spring semesters last year to discuss the five bus stops being consolidated into two larger bus stops located near Conrad and McDonel halls in an effort to cut costs.

The change was planned to occur at the start of the 2010 spring semester, but was pushed back to this fall because of students having already planned their living arrangements and class schedules, said Debbie Alexander, assistant executive director of CATA.

The decision to move the bus stops to one central location was MSU’s decision, Alexander said.

“MSU and CATA went back out to the community (in the spring semester) and talked with (the students) again about it,” Alexander said. “One of the issues that was raised was that students didn’t think it was fair to make a service change in the beginning of the year when they had determined their residence hall location based on the service they had available to them.”

The consolidation of bus stops on the east side of campus will decrease costs and improve efficiency, said Jeff Kacos, director of the Office of Campus Planning and Administration.

“Before we did make these changes final, we had a meeting with the (All) University Traffic and Transportation Committee, we met with the (Residence Halls Association), (the Department of) Residence Life staff and had an open forum for the public,” Kacos said. “Each year, we look for a place where we can improve service or efficiency or both. We normally have a series of changes that take place, and this year it included consolidation of the bus stops. Over five years, it will save over $1 million.”

Although students were worried about the initial move, Kacos took all the concerns into account and the stop has been moved closer to Akers Hall instead of Conrad Hall.

“It will be brighter,” Kacos said. “Some new lighting will be going in this summer, so there will be more lighting going in the back (of the halls).”

Biochemistry senior Rachel Rideout uses the bus system to get to work in Holmes Hall. She said she was unhappy with the decision.

“It will be really crowded,” Rideout said.

“People are going to have to wait for the next bus and that’s risking being late since there is only so much time in-between classes.”

Media arts junior Lenae McCullough, who lived in Akers and Hubbard halls during her first two years at MSU, said the change in bus stops is not just a matter of time; it’s also about safety.

“It’s inconvenient to the safety of those students who live so far away from the bus stop,” McCullough said. “How are they going to avoid any dangerous situations that come to hand?”

During last year’s meeting, students voiced safety concerns, such as additional lighting.

“It’s hazardous,” McCullough said.

“(MSU) didn’t resolve the issue. If they don’t have (additional) lights or proper safety, crime could happen, you never know. When something does happen, who’s to blame?”