Bus service on campus

I've been reading the Campus Transit Plan and thinking about what kind of buses would use the new bus loop

• The articulated B-Line buses
• Gasoline and/or natural gas powered buses
• Trolley buses
• Small community shuttle buses (short bus)

The campus transit plan also talks about why a below grade bus loop is better than one on-grade, and some of the requirements of the loop.

Better because:

• Faster transit service/fewer delays to buses
• Entire station would be 'fare paid zone'
• Avoid traffic congestion and delays at pedestrian crosswalks
• Weather protected, heated and climate controlled

Requirements:

• Entry/exit at University Boulevard at Wesbrook Mall
• Capacity of 40 or more buses
• Station would have to be well lit and feel safe
• Full accessibility
• Seating, telephones and other amenities
• Plan suggests glass doors separate passengers from buses to ensure air quality

I think it might also be useful to think of an underground bus loop as a chance to connect buildings underground. If the grassy knoll is removed to put in the new loop, it's reasonable to connect the loop to the SUB. There may also be a chance to connect it to the new library, although it is possible that is too far.

The idea of glass doors separating passengers from the bus exaust does not seem optimal. I think it would be better to have some kind of physical barrier. There is also the chance to line up the curb with the height of buses so they do not need to deploy the wheelchair ramp at this station.