Ah, the question that haunts parents and students think is a no-brainer. This is a question that has been asked through the decades.  The decision comes down to personal preference, feasibility and taking a good look at Missouri State’s transportation plan.  

Missouri State has the Bear Line for your student to utilize.  The Bear Line offers a convenient way to get around campus and downtown Springfield. Jump on from any of the well-lit, covered shuttle stops conveniently located across campus. Shuttles are climate controlled and offer a comfortable ride. No individual fares will be charged to any passenger. Buses are specially equipped for persons with disabilities.

Commuter students can leave the driving to the Bear Line.  Bear Line can help take the pressure off finding a parking place in crowded lots. Simply park in one of the spacious, covered parking garages — Bear Park North, located off John Q. Hammons Parkway with entrances on Cherry and Elm Streets, and Bear Park South, located at the intersection of Holland and Grand — and catch the shuttle. Just be sure to arrive about 15 minutes early to allow plenty of time to reach your destination.

What is the cost of a parking permit? Is there a lot of parking on the campus? How far is the campus from home? Will they have an off-campus job? These are all questions for your student to be asking as he makes the decision about having a car on campus.  Visit the Safety and Transportation website to find out more about parking on campus.

And don’t forget bikes! Bicycles are a wonderful way to get around campus and get some great exercise at the same time. Bicycles are welcome at Missouri State, offering fantastic bike paths, maintenance stations and plenty of bike racks. Encourage your student to take responsibility for their bikes and register their bike with the Safety and Transportation Department and remind them to lock their bikes at all times.

Missouri State also has the Green Bike Program.  The Green Bike Program, developed by the Residence Hall Association and funded partially by Student Government Association’s Sustainability Commission, was officially launched at Missouri State University in the spring of 2011. The program allows students living on campus to rent bikes for a fraction of what it would cost to purchase a bike. The program encourages students to reduce their carbon footprint by offering an environmentally friendly way to travel to off-campus destinations, such as nearby groceries stores or downtown attractions.  Remind your student to stop by Rec Fest 2014 and take advantage of the Green Bike program. On August 22, at the Foster Recreation Center, students will be able to rent a bike from 3-6pm. Bikes are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Suggest to your student that they check out all the campus has to offer for student transportation.