The Observer, March 3, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 19
Free Speech Zone: Greenie tracking system inefficient, severely flawed
To the Editor:
The recent addition of the Greenie NextBus GPS tracking system has been monumental for student transportation at Case. With typical Cleveland weather, the estimated arrival times would be an invaluable resource.
However, the functionality of this system has been mediocre at best. Oftentimes, the NextBus website displays "No current prediction" which is attributed to drivers deviating from the standard route. Other times, the prediction will be highly inaccurate, arriving nearly 30 minutes after the predicted arrival time or not at all. In other instances, the bus will arrive at the stop at the predicted time, but will not stop to pick up passengers. All of these situations have been experienced by myself and countless others.
It has become evident that the quality of Greenie transportation has declined with transfer of service from Case to the current contractor, Standard Parking. The addition of the GPS system should have insured greater reliability of the Greenie system; however, it seems to have intensified the problem. While the effort made by Case and Standard Parking to secure a GPS tracking system is greatly appreciated by all, the efficiency and effectiveness of the system needs to be evaluated and improved. A $150,000 investment is not to be taken lightly, and Standard Parking, Case, and its students should demand a valuable return on their investment. Whether the remedy includes better training of drivers, increased accountability, or undercover riders who monitor the drivers and their routes, serious action needs to be taken.
Janice Makinen
Undergraduate Student
