Following a highly successful spring pilot launch, Waubonsee Community College’s free campus shuttle provided over 830 rides to 107 unique riders, saving local students more than 8,300 miles of travel between the college’s Sugar Grove and Aurora Downtown Campuses since January.
For Waubonsee summer student Krystal Donnelly, of Aurora, who takes classes at Waubonsee while simultaneously earning her Master of Arts in Education at Aurora University, the shuttle was nothing short of a lifeline. Donnelly turned to Waubonsee this summer to complete prerequisite coursework and prepare for her teaching licensure exams. However, getting to the Sugar Grove Campus proved to be a huge challenge. Donnelly was on the verge of withdrawing from her course at Waubonsee when she factored in that rideshare charges could cost nearly $80 a day.
"I was stressing out because I didn't have a ride and I physically am unable to drive," said Donnelly. "I stumbled upon the shuttle on Waubonsee's website and learned it was free. It was a huge relief—it made getting to my classes accessible so I could get my requirements done."
Riding the campus shuttle three days a week has allowed Donnelly to stay on track, complete her prerequisites, and use her commute productively to read and study. Currently participating in a teaching residency with Oswego Community Unit School District 308, Donnelly plans to teach fourth grade and special education after graduating this December.
"My goal is helping people and ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive, not just survive," Donnelly shared. "The shuttle provided that exact bridge for me when I needed it most.”
A key takeaway from recent student feedback is that the impact of Waubonsee’s campus shuttle extends far beyond the classroom. In addition to transporting students to classes and testing centers, the campus shuttle opens up opportunities for students to participate in campus activities, access the Fitness Center, join student organizations, and pursue on-campus student employment across locations. More than half of Waubonsee students surveyed said they would consider changing from part-time to full-time if sufficient transportation services were available.
Shuttle Bus Driver Paul Pokryfke says from the students that he has talked to, including Krystal, a lot of them have said that if it wasn’t for this shuttle, they wouldn’t be able
Waubonsee student Krystal Donnelley is welcomed aboard the free campus shuttle by driver Paul Pokryfke.
to take classes. "To hear those stories is great, especially as a retired teacher from Elmhurst School District 205 and having gone to college, it really is fun to hear that they are excited about continuing their education,” Pokryfke said.
Waubonsee’s campus shuttle runs Monday through Thursday, and is fully operational throughout the summer and fall semesters. Students with an XCARD can count on free transportation between the Sugar Grove and Aurora Downtown campuses with pick-ups starting as early as 7:20 a.m. With increasing popularity and usage, Waubonsee expects to extend the campus shuttle hours this fall to further support students. For details on schedules, pickup locations, and how to utilize the shuttle, visit waubonsee.edu/shuttle.
