After four years of negotiations, officials from Muncie Indiana Transit System, who hope to acquire Ball State's shuttle bus service, have gotten the attention of university administrators.
MITS has been interested in operating the shuttles since February 1998.
MITS manager Larry King said the university could benefit from the switch by saving money, increasing the number of riders and raising revenue for the bus service.
"Our business is public transportation," King said. "And we can provide an excellent service to the university."
Students, faculty and staff would still be able to ride the MITS buses for free with a valid university identification.
King said he does not plan on adding extra fees and that the shuttles would continue to run as normal. Current drivers for Ball State's shuttle service would have the opportunity to become MITS employees at comparable wages.
Glenn Augustine, associate director for University Communications, said the administration is currently studying the MITS proposal to determine its feasibility. Administrators have not established any timetable to make a decision.
King, however, remains optimistic.
"We can match the level of service Ball State University (offers)," he said. "And possibly exceed it,"
MITS would provide and maintain buses, as well as supply the shuttle service with drivers, equipment and possibly new vehicles. In return, Ball State would have to pay $265,000 for the first year of service, $275,000 the next and $280,000 a year for the next eight years.
Augustine said current funding for the shuttle services comes from Parking Services fees.
SGA president Tolu Olowomeye said she would like to see how the proposal would affect the current conditions.
"I think it's a wonderful opportunity for Ball State transportation to expand," she said. "However, I would like to see the proposal guarantee that our current shuttle bus drivers will still be employed."
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