Approximately 30 to 60 crimes are reported each month in areas surrounding Main Campus. These crimes include burglaries, auto thefts and aggravated assaults.
To help students feel safe off campus, Temple has launched TUrDoor, a shuttle service that will provide students with free transportation to locations near Main Campus.
“TUrDoor service answers a need for enhanced transportation services for students living off campus,” said Moira Stoddart, project manager for Campus Safety Services.
“I think it’s a good idea because it’s a lot safer and more convenient,” said junior English major Avi Brown.
TUrDoor will transport students as far north as Cumberland Street and as far south as Girard Avenue. The shuttle will go as far east as Fifth Street and as far west as 20th Street. The buses will operate from 5:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. at least every half-hour, Stoddart said.
Students can board buses at the transportation hub located at 12th Street and Berks Mall.
“Last semester, university representatives met to discuss ways to enhance transportation services for students living off campus in neighborhoods surrounding Main Campus,” Stoddart said. “Currently, we estimate approximately 3,500 to 4,000 students are living in these areas off campus.”
Temple allocated approximately $150,000 in funds for the new TUrDoor shuttle service.
This new service is in addition to Owl Loop, which will continue to transport students who live in off-campus apartment complexes to surrounding residence halls on campus.
The Owl Loop provides shuttle service to students on or near campus. Owl Loop, which does not provide door-to-door service, runs a constant loop around campus from 5:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.
“I take the Owl Shuttle at 14th and Jefferson,” said sophomore biology major Paul Striscko. “I think it’s a very helpful, positive addition to Temple shuttle services.”
Sue Ann Rybak can be reached at sueann.downey@temple.edu.
I wonder how is the TUrDoor shuttle system faring after two years of implementation? I believe that Temple made the best decision to come up with a more secured and safe transport system for their constituents.
It’s great for the Temple to launch a shuttle service for their students it’s one way for the school to show their concern for their student’s safety and a way to improve student’s loyalty to the school as well.
Free transportation? What more can you ask for…
This is necessary for schools which are located in a place where few vehicles pass by. Just like the new school building my alma mater built. Shuttle buses were provided although only a few are available that is why most students had to lineup for few hours.
Wow, it’s really thoughtful for Temple to value the safety of their students. Universities and schools should also follow suit. It’s like making their students feel valued and they in turn will be more loyal to their alma mater.