With winter weather approaching quickly, it is nice to have a shuttle service that is available for longer hours and even runs to Walmart.

However, it seems that no matter how long or where the shuttle runs, students are walking somewhere.

The shuttle is a great idea and allows students to have more freedom when choosing residency.

It provides free transportation, valuable on days when the roads are hazardous and students’ vehicles are covered in snow and ice.

Extending the shuttle hours and adding a new destination were great additions to an idea.

But why not help more students and have the shuttle run until 9 p.m. when night classes end?  Even if the shuttle ends at 6 p.m. and makes only one final run at 9 p.m.

It would give students even more freedom to take classes they need and desire without worrying about how they will get there or what will happen when the weather gets nasty.

Weather isn’t the only hindrance to students.  During this time of the year, night falls early.

Making the shuttle available to students upon leaving night classes would be a safer alternative to student drivers and bundled-up walkers.

Students are often eager to get home after a long class and fail to clean their cars properly of snow and ice.

Walking is often a means of transportation for many students to destinations like the CPA and Walmart.

However, students should be aware that CamTran buses make stops at UPJ and run to places like the Galleria Mall and Walmart for a fee of 85 cents.

The routes are 9, 11 and 17.  Schedules are available online or at the Student Affairs Office.

It seems that an 85- cent fee is worthwhile compared with walking along roads with no sidewalks or crosswalks.

Maybe a new shuttle system would be a good idea.  A shuttle with a route that includes campus, the CPA and Walmart.

Even restaurants and bars could be a good idea.

There is a convenience factor to having a more extensive shuttle system.

But it could also be a unique characteristic of our school that shows UPJ officials care about students and their entire college experience.