Though most incoming freshmen probably looked forward to getting their driver’s licenses when they turned 16, most end up leaving their cars behind when they come to campus.
But don’t fret just yet; there are a few other ways to get home other than driving your own car.
Ride Board, an online system operated trough Ohio University, allows students to log in with their OU IDs and and post information about their upcoming travel plans — such as departure date and return dates and whether the student needs a ride or is a driver looking for a rider. Some drivers use this as a way to get some extra cash for gas.
Sequoya Smith, a sophomore at OU, said she has used Ride Board frequently and finds it useful to go home when needed.
The site also provides tips for establishing trust with drivers, identifying unsafe signs, such as alcohol or drug use, and steps to take to reduce risk.
According to Ride Board’s frequently asked questions page on its website, “late departures, car trouble and unplanned stops” are the problems students run into the most when they use Ride Board to organize travel.
The website goes on to say: “You might choose to meet with (the driver) in a public place to discuss the trip… If a ride becomes unsafe, get out at the first opportunity. It's better to be safely stranded (than to unsafely) travel. You should also let family and friends know you are sharing a ride, the route you are taking and when and where you will arrive.”
Smith said she has always felt safe using the service and has met interesting people along the way.
Other services such as the GoBus — a partnership between the Ohio Department of Transportation, the city of Athens and a local nonprofit — connects the cities of Columbus, Cincinnati, Marietta and Parkersburg with Athens.
Even though the bus service, which can cost between $5 and $12 for a one-way ticket after taxes and fees, offers routes to those cities, “it would be nice to see the GoBus go to Cleveland and Dayton so other students could use it, too,” said junior Markita Briggs.
The GoBus stops in Athens on OU’s West Green near The Convo and Athens Community Center, which is located at 701 E. State St.
kf398711@ohiou.edu
