By: Sarah Wood | Guest Contributor
Public transit bus in Lynchburg. | Greater Lynchburg Transit Company
For many students at the University of Lynchburg, getting around the Lynchburg area without a car isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a daily challenge.
While Lynchburg offers public transportation through the Greater Lynchburg Transit Company, many students without cars on campus still face challenges with limited routes, scheduling, and accessibility.
Recent decisions by transit officials will make that challenge even more difficult.
According to WDBJ7, the Greater Lynchburg Transit Company voted to suspend Sunday service after April 26 due to a driver shortage.
This suspension is due to around 20% of driver positions being currently vacant, which is causing the system to reduce services.
The loss of Sunday service will leave many riders without transportation one day each week.
For many riders, the change means losing access to transportation for work, shopping, religious gatherings, and essential services.
The impact of these service reductions goes beyond local residents and directly affects college students.
For many University of Lynchburg students, public transportation is not just a convenience but a necessity for getting to work, internships, grocery stores, and appointments.
This issue can be especially challenging for international students, as most of them arrive on campus without cars and without family nearby to help with transportation.
The student body currently includes students from 34 countries, highlighting the campus’s ever-growing international presence.
For these students, transportation barriers can make everyday tasks such as grocery shopping, attending appointments, or exploring the community much more difficult.
Unlike local students, who may have been able to bring a car to campus, many international students must rely on friends, rideshare services, or limited bus service.
The university advises students to use local transit options, such as GLTC, to travel off campus for essential needs, including banking, airport travel, and government services.
When students struggle to travel off campus, their academic and personal responsibilities can become harder to manage.
The argument can be made that Lynchburg’s transportation system is sufficient for a city of its size and that expanding bus routes would cost too much money.
However, the recent suspension of Sunday service shows existing weaknesses in the system and the growing need for improvement.
According to the American Public Transportation Association, every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $5 in economic returns.
Better transit access helps residents reach jobs, supports local businesses, and encourages economic growth throughout the community.
Improved public transportation would allow University of Lynchburg students to have more independence, provide easier access to jobs and resources, and create a more accessible community overall.
As the university continues to grow and diversify, city officials should recognize that better public transportation is an investment in students’ lives in Lynchburg.
