Bowling Green may have a small student population, but the colder months make the population feel larger due to the number of University shuttle riders.

Curtis Sheridan, a shuttle driver for the University, noticed a substantial increase in bus riders during the winter months.

“When it is cold like this in Bowling Green, you will most definitely see the shuttles packed with students. Students usually like to walk in the summer because the campus isn’t that big anyways,” he said.

Yvonne Johnson, a sophomore who usually rides the shuttle back and forth from her job at the Jerome Library, saw an increase in bus riders as well during the winter months.

“The bus has been so packed that friends lap up, people are left standing up, or even not able to ride at all,” Johnson said. “I think in the warmer months, students prefer to walk, get some fresh air and exercise.”

Although fewer people ride the shuttle in the summer, Johnson thinks it is still needed for those who don’t like walking or have medical conditions that prevent them from doing so.

Sheridan agreed that the shuttle should remain running during all months.

“It’s not a waste if you are going somewhere further on campus, but if it’s close, why not walk,” he said.

He recommends that the buses not run as frequently during the months that have lower ride capacity. Also, as the shuttle allows for fewer vehicles to be on the road, it results in less pollution for the environment.

Sophomore Khayyam Gardner said some students enjoy riding their bikes to class whenever the weather permits.

“In Ohio we have so few months of good weather you have to take advantage of the sunshine whenever possible,” he said.

Sophomore Alicia Alexander said she prefers not to ride the shuttle because of how dirty it can be, but still does when it’s cold or raining.

“Even though I don’t ride the shuttle much, I’d rather have the shuttle there as an option even in the summer,” Alexander said.