I could complain about Off College Campus Transport. I could say that OCCT is a waste of money and time because there aren’t enough buses and they don’t run frequently enough. I could say that at one time I cursed them, in my head, waiting outside in the bitter cold Downtown, with snow seeping through my cheap boots, and with no cabs in sight. I could say that the blue buses are always full — cue for more buses, perhaps?

Watching a bus drive right by you when you waited an hour or two, huddling together with friends for warmth, is the worst experience. I could give all these reasons why I would criticize our college transportation, but without the buses we’re pretty much stranded, unless you have a car.

During freshman year, I was dependent on the blue buses to take me to Wal-Mart and Oakdale Mall. I was surprised but thankful it was free and happened to be on campus, and it was convenient at the time since I lived in College-in-the-Woods. Without a car, I would have been trapped on campus without a chance to visit the Downtown area or anything outside the brain. I admit I didn’t get out as much as I should have my first year, but the following year I was able to attend events like First Fridays because of OCCT.

As a junior living in Hillside Community now, I can say that the blue buses are more of an obvious godsend. Trekking up a mountain from class would be such a hassle, especially when it’s raining or snowing. I depend more on them because they’re frequent enough — 15 minutes isn’t too shabby — and it’s better than sliding down the Skyward Trail. What’s more, the buses drive into various areas, like University Plaza and Johnson City, making it possible for everyone to visit their friends who live elsewhere. OCCT gives us the opportunity to explore the area as well as return home from early or late classes.

They have schedules online, which make it easier to figure out which buses I should take and at what times. This comes in handy when I’m trying to head Downtown and cabs are unavailable. Sometimes finding a cab is such a pain in the ass — why bother paying $3 when I can get there for free. For instance, I only spent a dollar going out once because I took the bus there and back — it was a good night financially.

Additionally, I respect the bus drivers who have to drive on late nights during the weekend because they’re giving up their weekends to drive drunks around, thankfully reducing drunk driving. Also, it’s nice to know that OCCT pays students to drive the buses. In this way, students have another option if they need extra cash.

I doubt many other colleges have such an elaborate and free college transit service system. It’s understandable to feel disgruntled because anything can be better than it is, but getting on a bus when the streets are about to flood and have it practically chauffeur you back to your community is as wonderful as having that last piece of cake.