‘We all need to get up the mountain’: Transit strike inspires SFU students to set up carpooling group
Posted November 21, 2019 10:09 pm.
Last Updated November 21, 2019 10:35 pm.
BURNABY (NEWS 113) — There’s a new Facebook group for SFU students worried about getting to campus ahead of the system-wide bus shutdown scheduled for three days next week.
The Facebook group started just before Nov. 1, the day transit workers began job action. Since then it has attracted over 1,400 members.
“A lot of people, especially in my social circle since we don’t drive, were really worried since the only way to get to Burnaby campus is through bus,” explains group administrator Ashley Phay. “Regardless if the train runs or not if there’s no bus there’s no way to get up unless you can find someone who can drive. They’re worried about missing a class, especially because it’s finals coming up.”
One student is even suggesting they rent their own bus and charge for trips up and down the mountain @SFU. #BusStrike @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/1x8SaTH2Cm
— Lauren Boothby (@laurby) November 22, 2019
Union members are asking for improvements to working conditions, wages, and benefits. No further negotiations between Unifor and the Coast Mountain Bus Company are scheduled.
The Facebook group was borne of a particular crisis, but administrators hope it will survive after the strike.
Phay says winter weather can mean buses to and from campus are cancelled, and if this group persists it can help.
So, they’re trying to set themselves apart from other groups.
“We also tried not just to be a carpool group. We also wanted to add jokes and memes to it. And it’s been consistently growing”
https://www.facebook.com/seabusmemes/posts/560586021356140
On its website, SFU is warning students to plan for extra commuting time and consider alternate transportation, such as carpooling. Students are being told to notify their instructors or supervisors if the strike impacts their ability to get to school.
