With winter weather comes another challenge to road conditions and transportation. For Moravian, that resulted in three shuttle-related incidents that occurred between the end of January and the beginning of February.
The first incident took place on January 28, when Shuttle 22 scuffed a snowbank, causing minor cosmetic damage to the vehicle. No other vehicles were involved.
On January 29, Shuttle 25 sideswiped another vehicle on West Laurel Street. Facilities Management, Planning & Construction explained that snowy and narrow road conditions, especially on Monocacy Street, West Laurel Street, and West Greenwich Street, created tight driving spaces.
There was minimal to no damage to either vehicle, and no one was injured.
The third incident occurred on February 6, when Shuttle 22 experienced a mechanical issue in Lot X and had to be towed. Facilities stated that this issue was not related to the earlier snowbank incident. The mechanical problem, it said, was likely caused by salty road conditions and extreme cold temperatures.
The shuttle was repaired and thoroughly inspected by a certified mechanic before returning to service later that week.
In the event of a traffic accident or mechanical breakdown, riders are advised to exit the shuttle if it is safe to do so and remain nearby until an officer or medical professional arrives, or until another shuttle resumes the route. During the recent incidents, students chose to walk to nearby shuttle stops to continue their route.
Facilities stated that no changes have been made to shuttle routes, schedules, or operating procedures. Shuttle vehicles are regularly inspected by certified mechanics during break periods and are frequently checked by members of the FMPC team.
Drivers also complete pre- and post-shift inspections, and safety equipment is regularly maintained and checked.
The university is working to correct misinformation as it arises and encourages students with questions to contact [email protected] directly. Facilities Management, Planning & Construction noted that if a major incident had occurred, campus-wide communication would have been sent.
At this time, students should not expect any long-term changes to the shuttle system. While Facilities emphasized that safety remains a priority, they acknowledged that the shuttles operate between 45 and 85 hours per week and share the road with other drivers during challenging winter conditions, including the January storm that brought over 10 inches of snowfall, followed by extreme cold.
