While the Campus Loop has been transporting University students since 1973, ridership on the new Town Loop has steadily approached its counterpart's popularity in just three months of operation.

About 2,080 passengers ride the Town Loop everyday, and 3,404 ride the Campus Loop, said Kevin Abbey, Centre Area Transportation Authority general manager.

Students who live both on and off campus say they have found the Town Loop convenient.

LaShawn Webb (senior-general arts and science) said, "I think it's great. It can be used as a safety measure for the University. It's an alternative to the escort service."

Damien Cleveland (freshman-electrical engineering), who lives in East Halls, finds many advantages to riding the Town Loop, including quicker access to East Halls.

"Bus stops are in the right places and the drivers have good attitudes," he said.

The Town Loop is also helpful to the Campus Loop drivers, according to Ruth Carpenter, who has been driving the Campus Loop for nine years.

"It's great," she said. "It helps with the overcrowding problem."

Stan Croughter (junior-finance), also catches the Town Loop in East Halls and noted that it is quicker and more accessible to campus.

"It should run for 24 hours," he said.

However, some students, although happy about the addition of another route, have some complaints.

Doug Wilson (senior-secondary education) said the CATA schedule is not always accurate. He spoke of one morning when he showed up late to class because the bus was not on time.

"One morning, I was looking for the 8:50 Loop, and I got to class at 9:10," he said.