Dining Express eases access to Hedrick in effort to alleviate traffic in De Neve
The Hedrick Dining Express began shuttling students from the De Neve turnaround to Hedrick Court Wednesday. The service is aimed at reducing dining hall congestion.
By Kylie Reynolds
Oct. 20, 2011 12:22 a.m.
Correction: The original version of this article contained an error. The front of the trolley says “UCLA Bruin Bus.”
An antique-style trolley, adorned with the signature UCLA Bruin Bus name, departed from the De Neve turnaround at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday with a modest ““ but interested ““ set of passengers.
The Hedrick Dining Express, which shuttles students from the De Neve turnaround to Hedrick Court, is designed to alleviate crowds at De Neve dining hall by encouraging students to eat at Hedrick dining hall, said Daryl Ansel, director of food and beverage for UCLA Housing and Hospitality Services.
The trolley ““ acquired by UCLA Transportation from UC Riverside prior to UCLA Dining Services’ decision to provide this service ““ makes trips between De Neve and Hedrick every 10 minutes from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The cost to operate the trolley includes paying for gas and the driver, Ansel said.
UCLA Dining has considered a shuttle service on and off for a few years because of student concern about congestion at De Neve dining hall, Ansel said. With the increased number of students living on the Hill, Ansel said, De Neve has been particularly congested recently.
Hedrick is the least-used dining hall, Ansel said.
“It is unfortunately difficult sometimes for students to get all the way up the Hill, especially at lunch if they have classes across campus,” he said. “De Neve is sometimes the easiest option.”
The trolley is on a 30-day trial period, at which time Dining will evaluate student demand and satisfaction, how Hedrick met student needs, the timing of the trolley and its effect on De Neve congestion, Ansel said.
UCLA Transportation reported 155 people used the service during the lunch cycle.
On the first trip up to Hedrick, Enzo Ignacio, a first-year biology student, and Stephen Lee, a first-year mechanical engineering student, strolled onto the trolley and took a seat. The two friends, who live in Dykstra, said they were using the service because they liked Hedrick’s menu that day.
“I’m just hoping Hedrick won’t be more crowded now (because of this service),” Lee said.
Walking out of lunch at De Neve on Wednesday, Lillian Tao, a second-year undeclared student, said she does not think people will use the service because of wait times.
With reports by Erin Donnelly, Bruin contributor.
