By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
Van service flyer in Hickerson Hall Lobby on April 11.
Students now have a new and convenient way to get off campus on the weekends. Thanks to a new collaboration with the Office of Residence Life, a van service now offers free transportation to three popular local destinations: Milford Post Mall, Union Station in New Haven and Hamden Plaza.
Available every weekend, the van service is designed to help students explore nearby areas, run errands or catch a train without needing their own vehicle.
“People who stay on campus over the weekend can go out and enjoy the city,” Hannah Rosario, the Grad Intern of Neff Hall said.
Rosario said the van service, which launched this semester, started due to a need for transportation.
“We heard residents say we wanna go to this place,” Rosario said. “So, I hope they get a great experience and begin to explore.”
The van service replaces the old shuttle system that previously served students. It offers a more flexible way to travel off campus.
Rosario said she utilized the shuttle service her freshman year, so she is happy to see another form of transportation make a comeback.
“I got to go around and explore the area and not get cooped up in the area,” Rosario said.
She encourages students to use the service as a way to discover New Haven beyond campus.
“They should see what it has to offer and get involved in their community,” Rosario said.
Interdisciplinary studies major Priscilla Adebambo, a junior, said after seeing flyers of the van service she was immediately interested.
“This is something that my friends and I would definitely take advantage of because sometimes you just wanna get out of the dorms or get off campus and see what there is,” Adebambo said.
Adebambo said this is a beneficial way for students to leave campus, especially for those who do not have cars.
“They’re able to still get a sense of social life without the worry of additional cost,” Adebambo said.
For students who have cars, the van service offers a convenient way to save on expenses.
“It’s a good way to save gas money,” nursing major Zach Fong, a freshman, said.
Rosario said the van service also provides students with an opportunity to explore local businesses in the area and, in turn, expand their experiences and knowledge.
“We’re very fortunate where we were placed, we have some great stuff downtown,”
The service was created to improve student life and make off-campus resources more accessible. Rosario emphasized that since it is already covered by tuition, students should make the most of it.
“It can broaden your college experience and that’s what you’re here to do,” Rosario said.
Whether students are interested in shopping, traveling or just looking for a change of scenery, the weekend van service offers a reliable and free way to get around.
Pickup and drop-off times are scheduled throughout the day, and spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can sign up in advance online via the provided link.
