By Adina Bruce
Intercampus shuttle service between the uptown Wilf and downtown Beren campus was announced to be resumed for the Fall 2021 semester, starting August 22, 2021. According to an update to the Safety & Security page on the YU website, shuttle times will restart with the same times as the 2020-2021 school year, but with the addition of Sunday evening times.
Shuttle services returned to campus in the 2020-2021 school year following the discontinuation of campus services due to Covid-19 in Spring 2020. After the return of students to both campuses in the Fall 2020 semester, and a call from students for resumed service, the shuttle service was reinstated but with limited times compared to the previous semester.
Due to COVID-19 precautions service will continue to be provided using a yellow school bus, enabling students to spread out on the shuttle. Other precautions listed on the security page include, “[b]efore entering the shuttle and during the duration of the ride, students will be required to wear a face mask” and “[s]tudents should sit in every other seat, so they are not directly next to, behind or directly across from someone.”
Sign up slots are limited to 11 persons. Pick up and drop off will be at Amsterdam Ave between 186th & 187th on the Wilf Campus, and outside the Brookdale residence hall on the Beren Campus. A morning shuttle will leave from the Wilf Campus at 8 A.M. Monday- Thursday. Evening shuttles Sunday-Thursday will leave from the Beren Campus at 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. and at 6:30, 8:30 and 10:30 P.M. from the Wilf Campus. The shuttle is only for undergraduate students.
The 8 A.M. shuttle time-slot was a new addition to the shuttle service in Fall 2020 from the previous times offered in the Spring 2020 semester. Students report that the shuttle was at times unreliable in getting students to their 9 A.M. classes on time. When asked about her thoughts on the continuation of the morning shuttle and the addition of a Sunday shuttle, Shani Lewis (SCW ‘22) stated, “having a morning and Sunday evening shuttle is something YU needs and I am thankful they are providing for this upcoming year. Adding these shuttle services makes the two campuses feel more connected and safer to travel between.” Commenting on the status of the shuttle this semester Chief Facilities & Administrative Officer Randy Apfelbaum stated “[w]e are closely monitoring the health protocols and plan to reevaluate schedule for after the chaggim (Jewish holidays).” He further added that “[f]or events uptown there will continue to be transportation options available.”