Some students have voiced complaints about having to pay a fee while non-students ride for free. The FTA gives federal financial aid to areas for mass transportation. The federal assistance specifies that the transit system be available to the public. There haven't been any complaints in regard to non-students riding the buses, said UAPD Lt. It's awkward when someone gets on the bus with a bag full of alcohol and reeks of liquor.
Statistics show that students make up the main portion of ridership for the transit system.
Although there are fewer buses running during summer months, ridership increased from 16,032 in July 2000 to 170,268 in September 2000. Most transit routes are centered around the UA campus and have bus stops near campus parking lots or apartment buildings that are mainly inhabited by students. Money from parking is used to help cover the costs of the transit system. Smith said that in the past, Transit and Parking has considered requiring bus riders to pay a fare to help with costs. So, remember that although the transit system is designed to support the university and its students, it is also a service for the community.