Students commute any way they know how

By Michael Bullock, News Writing Student

Just outside the OCCC's Main Entrance, on a warm November afternoon, six people, young and old, are waiting for the same thing — a city bus.

One of the six passengers waiting is Tami Griffin, part-time nursing student.

Griffin lives in the northwest part of Oklahoma City and is carless.

Also along for the ride is full-time nursing student Kendra Stephens, who lives in northeast Oklahoma City. She's taking the bus because her car needs repairs.

Griffin said she enjoys the time the trip gives her to focus on her homework. Furthermore, she does not have to deal with the traffic.

Stephens said she feels the same.

She said, before she realizes it, she is at the downtown terminal ready to transfer buses.

Both say they take advantage of the hour ride both ways to study and prepare for the next day of classes.

There are a few drawbacks to riding Metro Transit.

Griffin said she has to keep the bus schedule in mind when enrolling, because the buses stop running around 8 p.m.

To make it to class on time, she will have to be at the bus stop an hour early.

Stephens said sometimes the buses break down and she has to wait until the replacement arrives.

Students said the bus can get crowded with passengers during the peak times, 8 to 10 a.m., and 4 to 6 p.m.

But for people needing an inexpensive way to their destination, the price is right.

The city bus offers a variety of routes through Oklahoma City, Edmond and Norman.

Daily one way rides are $1.25, and a 30-day pass for unlimited use is $40.

Metro Link is available for evenings when the regular bus routes stop running, for an additional fee.