The new school year has implemented numerous changes across campus, including the Vandy Vans system. Vanderbilt Student Government President Joseph Williams has been working with VUPD since his campaign to modify the vans' services.

"My platform basically was to reform Vandy Vans, and [there were] several policy proposals of ways to do that," Williams said.

During his campaign, Williams suggested a new route connecting the Commons to main campus, shuttles seven days a week, and reverse routes.

The improved Vandy Van system includes a new Commons route, and two Vandy Van stops at the Commons. One stop is at North House and the other behind 18th Ave. near Hank Ingram House. There also have been more stops added to previous routes.

VUPD has purchased a new shuttle bus, which holds 25 passengers. Along with two of the older shuttles, this bus runs every day of the week. A smaller van runs Thursday through Saturday.

"We wanted reverse routes if the system was going to stay in place. Basically reverse routes have left-hand turns that would make trips slower. The costs outweighed the benefits," Williams said.

Although Williams did look into reverse routes for the Vandy Vans, he did not pursue it very far since all of VSG's other proposals were met. Williams hopes if there were ever a need, he would like to revisit the reverse routes issue as it has been done in the past.

VSG worked with many different people and organizations, including the incoming and outgoing Security Committee co-chairs, VUPD and Dean of Students Mark Bandas to make these alterations.

"We had a big shift in how Vandy Vans are run," Williams said. "We worked together in order to come up with a plan that we all agreed was feasible monetarily and that we all agreed would be best for the university as a whole."

Some issues about Vandy Vans have regarded its hours. Currently, Vandy Vans run from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. Williams said the hours would most likely remain the same. He said the hours are cost-benefit and supply and demand issues. Williams added the vans are not getting enough ridership to make them worth operating.

The Vandy Vans project began as soon as Williams took office in spring 2008 and is an ongoing process to find the best ways to improve the system.

"Vandy Vans are something which we are constantly assessing and constantly figuring out how can we do this better (and) how can we make it better for students," Williams said.

With more stops, shuttles and days of operation, Vandy Vans provide a convenient and more efficient way to travel around campus.