Over the past several years, the social scene at Connecticut College has made a clear move towards local bars. As floor and house parties became more strictly monitored, students fell into the habit of utilizing the New London bar scene for nights out. An obvious concern that accompanies this is drinking and driving—students, as well as the college faculty and staff, are concerned about the safety of both underage and of-age students who are engaging in bar activity.
There have been multiple proposals made to SGA over the past few years about creating a late-night transportation route for our Camel Van system to help students get to and from bars in a safe, reliable way. However, funding is an issue.
SGA Vice President Ted Steinberg ’16, who currently sits on the Transportation Committee, explained that a transportation route to and from the bars is a system that he hopes the school can accommodate; however, it might not be an extension of the Camel Van system, but the perhaps the implementation of an entirely new one. “I think it would be a great thing for student life,” said Steinberg. “The current provider for the Camel Van is in the last year of their contract, so as we work out a new deal now is the time to maximize our transportation services.”
Director of Student Engagement & Leadership Education Scott McEver explained that there are a lot of differing opinions about transporting students to and from downtown New London. As of this past Thursday, Jeff Celniker ‘17 has made a new proposal to SGA about accommodating transportation. According to McEver, there is no particular plan in place yet, but things are in the works as the school tries to secure additional funding for new transportation systems. It’s likely that changes will not be implemented for about another year. •
