College to use shuttle from Louisiana Downs
Bossier Parish Community College has found a solution to its parking dilemma.
The school has partnered with Harrah’s Louisiana Downs to provide additional parking options during peak hours with transportation to and from the venues through a constant rotating shuttle system. The way it works is simple – students drive to Louisiana Downs, park in the designated BPCC parking area, board one of the shuttles and take the four minute ride to campus.
School officials say the shuttle system is an answer to the rapid growth the college experiences each semester as well as from the recent construction of the new Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, which will house the advanced technology programs.
“We knew there were going to be more students this semester so we decided to be proactive and put this in place now,” Tracy McGill, Director of Public Relations for BPCC, said. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Louisiana Downs and we are thankful for their support.”
Since the new training center is being constructed on top of an existing parking lot, BPCC has fewer parking spaces available on the southeast side of campus. McGill said it’s best for students to utilize the new shuttle system rather than browsing parking lots waiting for an open space.
“It’s just faster to take the shuttle,” she said. “We are usually at capacity on parking around 10 a.m. and it’s not going to let up. Eventually, professors aren’t going to accept it as an excuse since there’s a new option out there.”
McGill said school officials will continue to assess the shuttle system and parking situation as the fall semester continues, making adjustments according to its needs. She said they will also utilize the new shuttle system as long as it’s needed.
“We want people to use it and realize it’s faster,” McGill said. “It might seem like an inconvenience, but it’s much better than waiting in the parking lot for a spot that may not open.”
The labeled BPCC shuttles run constantly Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. The shuttle drop off and pick up area is located at Building A and is completely free to students and faculty.
“The shuttle will run whether there’s one person or if it’s full,” McGill added. “They pull in, get in and go. They don’t have to wait until every seat is full.”
School officials ask that students who use the shuttle arrive earlier that normal to accommodate additional travel time. For more information on the new shuttle service, visit www.bpcc.edu/parking.
