On March 6, 1967, Texas Tech University students caught the first bus on campus.
Through a partnership with Citibus, a single route from the Commuter North parking lot to Clement Hall was established. Today, the system has grown to include more than 40 buses for three on-campus routes, seven off-campus apartment routes and evening and night bus service.
On Monday (March 6), Transportation & Parking Services will celebrate 50 years of busing at Texas Tech. Events will include treats for bus riders, a photo gallery showing scenes from the first day of busing on campus and a mayoral proclamation recognizing the anniversary.
“It took decades for Texas Tech to grow to the point where busing was needed, and over the years, busing has adapted to the changing needs of the campus population,” said Stacy Stockard, media relations coordinator for Transportation & Parking Services.
“We thought it would be fun to commemorate the occasion and offer a look back at this progress; I think it will make us pretty thankful for modern-day busing.”
Stockard said busing might not be the most glamorous activity a student takes part in at Texas Tech, but for those who rely on buses to get to campus and to classes, it’s a necessity. She said using the system also helps students build a skill they’ll need after graduation.
“Busing provides a way for our Red Raiders to get comfortable using a mass transit system before moving to a major city where young professionals rely on alternative transportation,” Stockard said.
Below is a list of the events on Monday:
- 7:30-10 a.m.: Tables will be set up at the Commuter North, West and Satellite parking lots with information about Texas Tech busing history and cupcakes for the first 250 riders at each lot.
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: A celebration will take place at the free speech area near the northwest corner of the Student Union Building. If the weather does not permit an outdoor celebration, it will take place in the Croslin Room of the Texas Tech Library. Attendees can pick up postcards providing Texas Tech busing history and commemorative tokens fashioned after those when busing began on campus. Photos provided by the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library will be on display and cake will be served.
- 11:15-11:30 a.m.: A short program will include remarks by Transportation & Parking, Student Government Association External Vice President Alex DeRossi and Citibus general manager Maurice Pearl.
A representative from the City of Lubbock will present a mayoral proclamation recognizing the 50th anniversary of busing on campus.
CONTACT:
Stacy Stockard, media relations coordinator, Transportation & Parking Services, Texas Tech University, (806) 834-1318 or stacy.stockard@ttu.edu
(News release from Texas Tech University)