While I am not an anthropologist, I have taken the time to learn and document the new culture that has formed here on campus. This culture is one based on a community of students all united by a single interest. This interest is the basis for their way of life. This culture is new and individuals are often ridiculed for their beliefs. No matter what people say, every student has the right to be a shuttle rider.
The main aspect of the shuttle community is just that, community. While other commuters drive alone, shuttle riders appreciate their diversity. The 15 minute ride from the Towne Center stop to the bookstore allows shuttle riders to talk to students who they might otherwise not interact with. Thus shuttle riders gain a better understanding of KSU culture.
One aspect of a culture is language. Shuttle riders have some unique dialectal differences from commuters. Instead of constant complaints over parking or full lots. Students who use the shuttle instead complain of shuttles arriving back to back, or the heavy foot of a new shuttle driver. The shuttle has its own jokes too. A common joke heard around the shuttle stop is whenever you are waiting for a shuttle, the first one to arrive will always be the Gold Line. Also everyone either snickers or cringes when someone calls the shuttle B.O.B. The bastardizing of the shuttle with a name no one likes still remains a sore spot for shuttle riders. This combination of inside jokes and shuttle-specific complaints allow shuttle riders to relate and convey a sense of community.
Shuttle riders also make better students. Because they don’t have to fight traffic and parking, they arrive to class on time. During the ride from the parking lot to KSU, students can do some last minute cramming for a test or finish the readings for their World Lit class. This study time adds an air of higher learning to the shuttle.
Because most people leave campus at 5, the shuttle gets quite crowded. Nothing brings you closer to strangers than sitting armpit to armpit riding to your car. With the close proximity and diverse crowd, interesting conversations abound. These discussions range from commentary on campus scandals or meaningful debates on the roles of fees and line-item student organizations. Shuttle riders have more meaningful rides than commuters.
All of these cultural aspects create a unique experience for shuttle riders. Taking the shuttle to and from campus is enlightened, meaningful, studious and environmental. It also costs you less money each semester. Join the society of shuttle riders.
