The University Transit System recently debuted a new e-mail mailing list designed to warn users in advance about changes to bus transit schedules.
The new UTS 411 alert system, created in the fall by a bus driver, sends e-mails to bus users when routes change or are delayed because of inclement weather, road closings, holidays, construction and any other unanticipated incidents.
E-mails are sent out when there is a significant service interruption or delay lasting more than an hour, UTS marketing supervisor Andrew Abbott said.
"Last semester we used it to make sure everything was working well on it," Abbott said, adding that the list was used frequently during December's heavy snow storm.
After launching the new listserv, UTS officials have been working to efficiently market it to get as many daily bus users - students and University faculty and staff - to sign up for the e-mail alerts.
"The more people we get on it, the less people will wait around for an hour," Abbott said.
Though the mailing list currently consists of only 160 subscribers, Abbott said he is confident more people will continue to join as they learn about it.
On Grounds, UTS 411 has been met with mixed reactions.
"I hadn't heard of it, but I will definitely sign up for it as soon as I get back home," second-year College student Catherine Burnett said. "I live far from Grounds, in Copeley, so it would be very useful to receive e-mails in order to avoid the road accidents and traffic around John Paul Jones Arena."
Other community members, however, said they believe e-mail is not an effective or timely means of notifying users of possible bus schedule changes.
"I wouldn't bother to check out my e-mail before I go out to catch the bus, but I think the system is very useful for first-year students who use the bus a lot," fourth-year College student Jennifer Hovland said.
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