Reporter

Most CSU Bakersfield students who frequently take the bus to school would rather not, complaining of inconvenience.

Many students have the luxury of driving themselves to school while others are at the mercy of the bus system, which can be unreliable and tedious. With somewhat limited route options and occasionally mismatched bus schedules, passengers can find themselves taking multiple buses to school, with lengthy wait times between transfers.

Additionally, increases in bus fares are making this travel option less financially forgiving, especially for those taking several buses a day. As of August 1, 2015, a single ride costs $1.50: a 25-cent markup from previous years. The good news for frequent riders is that 15-day ($25) and 31-day ($40) bus passes are available at a relative bargain.

Business major Jasmine Carrillo, who takes the bus every day, finds it an inconvenient but necessary evil.

“I have to get to school,” said Carrillo, who does not currently have a driver’s license.

Diamond Jackson, a criminal justice major, agreed, describing the bus system as “sometimes” convenient, but not as idyllic as driving herself.

Despite the occasional frustrations of being a frequent bus rider, there are still plenty of pros to public transportation.

“I’d probably rather take the bus” said child, adolescent and family studies (CAFS) major Leslie Martinez, who is in the process of getting her license. Martinez said she hasn’t had a problem being late, and she appreciates the ease of being a passenger who doesn’t have to worry about things like gas prices or unsafe driving conditions.

Bus riders also get the option of using their ride time to get their school work done, relax or listen to music.