Augusta State says new shuttle has been busy

Augusta State officials say the new shuttle service for students and teachers has been busy, with as many as 20,000 riders.

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Annette M. Drowlette/Staff

Student Meaghan McNutt (left) rides the Jaguar Express twice a day from Christenberry Fieldhouse to University Hall where she attends classes.

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Annette M. Drowlette/Staff

Students line up for the Jag Express at University Hall at Augusta State University. The shuttle serves thousands.

"We're thrilled," said Karl Munschy, Augusta State's director of business services, which oversees the Jag Express.

The service runs from the university's Christenberry Fieldhouse and University Village -- which provides student housing -- to the main campus on Walton Way.

"I like it," said Augusta State sophomore Justin Appel. "Parking at the main campus is terrible after 10 (a.m.)."

Mr. Munschy said the service had 5,712 users in its first week. He doesn't have an exact tally for the time since, but he said he believes it likely exceeds 20,000.

"It seems like it's starting to fill up even on what I consider the off hours," he said, noting that 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. are peak hours for the service.

Mr. Munschy said students initiated the shuttle service, which has eased parking problems.

"That's having an effect," he said, adding that some -- including faculty -- are parking at Christenberry Fieldhouse and taking a shuttle over to the main Walton Way campus to avoid waits for a parking space.

Pick-ups are every 15 minutes at assigned stops from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and every 30 minutes from 6 to 11 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays.

Reach Preston Sparks at (706) 828-3851 or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com