Campus buses free during Welcome Week

Leg cramps and sweat-drenched shirts shouldn't be a problem for students during Welcome Week. Pedestrians won't have to shell out any cash to hitch a ride between classes since all rides on campus buses will be free Sept. 1-7.\nDuring Welcome Week, the Campus Bus Service will run its buses on the summer schedule, which means less-frequent runs. This weekend it will run on the weekend schedule and begin full service the first day of classes. \n"It gets students used to it, to figure out where they are going and how long it's going to take them to get there," said James Hosler, director of Campus Bus Service. "Ridership is always higher during the free week, and then it drops off." \nAfter the first week of classes, students must have a bus pass or 75 cents to ride any campus bus. Although both methods of payment are acceptable, Hosler said only 7 percent of riders pay with cash. This percentage is higher when the weather declines and more students board the bus.\nFor those who already have a bus pass, you may still have to walk to some classes. Bus passes expire on Aug. 30, but new passes will not be available for purchase until Sept. 3. \nDespite rumors of new city bus fees, Bloomington Transit General Manager Lew May said all city buses will still be free to IU students. That fee is paid in part through the transportation fee in your tuition.\n"IU students will be able to use the C route as well as all Bloomington Transit routes by simply showing their Campus Access Cards," May said. "The C bus is one of the most popular routes given it serves the University Commons area and several other locations. It's a great way to get to campus."\nBloomington Transit provides several other routes that cover much of the city of Bloomington and the IU campus, all free to IU students.\nFor those who prefer to chauffeur themselves, parking will also be free in several areas, though only for a short time. All dorm parking is free until Sept. 1. Stadium parking will be free until Oct. 1. \nKatya Pisman, office assistant for Parking Operations, said this perk is offered "to give a chance for all the people that live in the dorms to get their permits and settle in."\n-- Contact staff writer Jackie Walker at jaclwalk@indiana.edu.