Lack of funding may force the Campus Area Bus Service to eliminate some current routes next year.

“Something in CABS must be cut effective autumn quarter 2003, as we do not have the funds to continue supporting the present level of bus service,” said Susan Blouch, director of Transportation and Parking Services.

CABS currently provides more than four million rides per year via nine bus routes-Campus Loop North, Campus Loop South, Core Circulator, East Residential, North Residential, South Residential, Commuter Express, Med Center Express, and Buckeye Village.

The buses drive students, staff, faculty and the general public around campus, the university hospital and the university residential district, including the Buckeye Village area near the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

“When I first came to campus, I thought, ‘What is going to happen? Oh no, it is so huge.’ Then, luckily I figured out the campus bus schedule, and now I’m fine.” said Meghana Batra, freshman in Industrial Engineering and regular CABS rider.

CABS runs from early morning until late evening, offering all a free ride. Bus schedules are available at each stop.

“CABS is convenient and easy to use,” said Firas Elmokdad, junior in civil engineering. “You don’t need an ID to get in. There is lots of campus community riding the bus.”

Anton Naess, an undecided sophomore who rides on the East Residential route, said he likes the bus.

“When there’s nice weather I don’t mind walking, but when it gets cold, it is more helpful, so I don’t have to walk so far,” Naess said.

CABS relies on its own parking and ticketing revenue for funding.

“Four million (dollars) of parking revenue is used to support our existing CABS services. What exactly is cut will be determined by our customers, as we form a team of representatives and conduct public forums this winter and spring,” Blouch said. “This has not yet been finalized but is being discussed between OSU and COTA staff.”

In the future, eliminated CABS routes may be re-routed into present COTA bus service routes. The university already has a contract with COTA, providing about 5,000 rides per day.

“The only problem with COTA is that it comes once an hour, and if you miss it, you’re out of luck.” Naess said.