Students in need of a ride off campus to do shopping and other errands can now get that help once again.

After the service was suspended since winter break, Mika Mahyenga, President of Park Student Government Association, recently announced the OATS bus will be back driving every Friday.

“It’s a privilege,” Mahyenga said. “Every student can ride the bus. All you need is an ID and give your name.”

For safety purposes, the driver keeps track of students by having them write their name on a sign-up sheet.

“He makes sure everyone get back on campus,” Mahyenga said.

The OATS bus will be in front of Thomspson on Fridays and will ride three times at noon, 1:20 p.m. and 2:55 p.m. The driver stops at Hy-vee, Zona Rosa and Wal-Mart.

The free ride is a way of transportation for students living on campus and don’t have a car.

“The bus is the only thing that keeps urban students at Park,” said Regina Singleton, a freshman in elementary education. “They can be independent and have a sure way to get off campus. In the bookstore (located on campus) you can’t buy needed supplies such as cleaning and food.”

PSGA had tentatively decided to suspend the service due to low ridership.

“It was on hold because we have to assessed and evaluate it by the senate,” said Mahyenga.

After hearing student voices wanting the bus, a vote was made to sign a new contract with the company.

“It takes long to get a new contract,” he said. “We expect students to use it, to tell their friends who don’t have a way of transportation about it.”

For any questions or concerns, PSGA can be contacted by e-mail at [email protected], on Twitter at @ParkSenate and on Facebook at Park Student Government Association.