All Aboard: UC Students Launch New Bearcat Transportation System

Day and night, a new student-created and student-funded UC shuttle service will get members of the UC community where they need to go – from campus to surrounding neighborhoods as well as Uptown, downtown and Cincinnati USA eateries and entertainment outlets. It all got in gear at a special ribbon-cutting ceremony March in front of of Tangeman University Center (TUC).

UC President Nancy L. Zimpher and State Representative Bill Seitz of Cincinnati – assistant majority whip of the Ohio House of Representatives – cut the banner that officially opened the expanded service. The concept of the shuttle exemplifies UC|21 strategies to make UC a destination campus by placing students at the center of the university – addressing student needs both day and night. UC Student Body President Andrew Burke says, “It’s encouraging to see students and the administration partnering with legislators to advance the interests of our community.”

The new Bearcat Transportation System (BTS) was first proposed by the 2004-2005 Undergraduate Student Government. The proposal and the additional eight-dollar increase in the student fee to pay for the service passed by a majority vote in the student elections last spring. The additional funding will generate $540,000 for the shuttle service per academic year, according to Dominic Berardi, UC Student Body Vice President.

After winning the support and approval of the student-funded project from the Ohio legislature, BTS began limited service at the start of winter quarter. The full funding became available with the start of spring quarter on the day of the ribbon-cutting, March 27, which results in day and night routes during fall, winter and spring quarters when UC is in session. “I hope this accomplishment will serve as a reminder to future student leaders that students can speak their voice to their legislators and actually be heard,” says Berardi.

UC Student Government leadership also honored Representative Seitz with a plaque for his commitment to student interests. Berardi says Seitz, a UC alum, stood behind the proposal from the outset and played an instrumental role in bolstering student lobbying efforts. “This was one of the largest student-driven legislative efforts in our state’s recent history,” explains Berardi. “We couldn’t have done it without the personal commitment of Rep. Bill Seitz.”

The rides are available for any member of the UC community with a valid UC ID.

• Daytime shuttles run Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., every 12 to 15 minutes
• Neighborhood night routes run Monday through Friday, 6 p.m.-12 a.m.
• Uptown and Cincinnati USA night routes (including Clifton, downtown, Mt. Adams and Newport on the Levy) run Thursday through Saturday, 7 p.m.-3 a.m.

Shuttle service does not run on holidays.

Check the full shuttle schedule at www.uc.edu/shuttle