University of South CarolinaTransportation Summary

Written by Gregory Goetz

Gregory Goetz

Hometown

Fort Mitchell, KY

Major

Media Arts/Entrepreneurial Business

View all previous student authors

The public transportation system at USC is, all in all, not bad. Students frequent the on-campus shuttles much more than the Columbia bus system, but both provide comprehensive routes. The Carolina Shuttles run Monday–Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with night shuttles starting at nightfall for safe and efficient transportation on campus. Although the campus is larger than 350 acres, the vast majority of one’s classes can be reached with a 15-minute walk. On the weekends, Cocky’s Caravan transports students to and from the bar districts of Five Points and the Vista free of charge. Columbia’s bus system is almost neglected by students. This is because many of the students do have cars, can easily walk to grocery stores and restaurants, and are unsure of where the bus stops.

To get out of town without a car, there is an Amtrak station, a Greyhound bus station, and the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, all relatively close to campus. Students find these convenient, especially if they live far away. There are shuttles that run to both the Columbia and Charlotte airports, offering a convenient alternative to expensive cab rides. The easiest way to get from around campus is to walk or ride a bike. Bike racks are located outside almost every building on campus. Both on- and off-campus transportation is pretty safe, though one should always use caution in such settings.