Student Council's UVAirbus program, which debuted last Thanksgiving Break during a trial run, set out on its mission to provide students with affordable transportation to both the Charlottesville-Albemarle and Richmond International airports. The initial effort was well-received across the University community and was a resounding success with more than 200 students participating in getting its wheels off Grounds. Though logistical errors prevented the program from running during Winter Break, Council's Student Life Committee announced yesterday that UVAirBus will be available to students for the upcoming Spring Break.
One of the most applaudable features of this program is the way in which it can serve the greater University community. International students, who are at times underrepresented in both the University's and student leaders' decision-making processes, could use the program as a practical solution to their traveling needs, as they are often without personal transportation or family nearby. Trips to the Charlottesville and Richmond airports cost $5 and $10 respectively - extremely reasonable rates that were clearly taken advantage of by more than just those living outside of the United States. The Student Life Committee is once again considering adding a new route to Washington Dulles International Airport.
One of Council's concerns with extending service to the Washington area is the potential high costs of doing so. Although Council is right to weigh these costs carefully, with Spring Break only a month away, time is running short.
Come early March, students will be flocking in droves to nearby airports to fly to their Spring Break destinations. Student Life Committee Co-Chair Aagya Mathur said as long as at least 15 people expressed interest in leaving Grounds at a certain time, Council would "entertain requests to Dulles Airport." With Dulles being the closest truly international airport to the University, and given the enormous popularity of vacationing out of the country during this time of the year, this quota is likely attainable.
UVAirBus has the most important ingredient to become a successful, long-term program: a concrete objective that caters to student's needs. By increasing awareness of the program, Council would be better able to bolster student support for this initiative. Publicizing to fraternities, sororities and Alternative Spring Break members alone, as Council plans to do, would most likely satisfy its minimum demand. Following these simple steps and offering this much-needed service to international students can help the program to take off.
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