The Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities (Augsburg, Hamline, Macalester, St. Catherine and St. Thomas) has decided to discontinue bus service between the campuses at the end of this academic year. The final day for the ACTC shuttle will be May 22.
The bus is used primarily to support students who cross-register between the five schools. But since 2001, the number of courses through cross-registration has dropped by 53 percent and the cost of gas and bus service has increased dramatically, resulting in a per-student cost that is unsustainable.
Last fall, 96 St. Thomas students enrolled in classes at other ACTC schools. In addition, 118 students from those schools enrolled in classes at St. Thomas.
The five ACTC schools are located in a vibrant urban setting with many sustainable and affordable transportation options, including the new Green Line, recently improved Metro Transit bus routes, and car- and bicycle-sharing programs.
St. Thomas will continue to identify and improve transportation options for students taking classes on other campuses, traveling for internships and community engagement activities, or simply exploring the Twin Cities.
ACTC and St. Thomas also will continue to work with local organizations, including Metro Transit, HourCar, Car2Go and NiceRide to expand the range of affordable, sustainable transportation options available to our schools.
Students with questions or concerns about transportation for cross-registration courses next fall should contact the Registrar’s Office.
