As if you weren’t already massively pumped to start at Royal Holloway or return to our beloved Egham after a long summer of joy and frivolity, we have some exciting news for you!
*Drumroll* …The College Bus Service will now be accepting contactless payment!
Whilst we have been lobbying the College to make the bus free or make it possible to pay on College cards, we found that the £1 cost is currently necessary to keep the service running. College card payment is hopefully in the pipeline, but may take a while to be developed.
However, for the time being, contactless payment would make things far more convenient for any of you wishing to travel to and from Kingswood, main campus, Egham Station or Englefield Green. So we suggested this to the college as a minimum option and our wishes have been granted!
I’m sure many of you have experienced the frustration of rummaging through three bags and ten pockets, desperately hoping that somewhere in their depths a pound coin is lurking.
You’ve probably also experienced the true sadness of failing to find one and walking home in the rain, wind or snow after a gruelling day of lectures, seminars, rehearsals or sports fixtures.
So this exciting news is for all of you, including our disabled students who may rely on affordable public transport.
The College commented that: “As a result of your feedback we have been working hard over the summer to ensure that all College buses will accept contactless payments!” and they emphasised the importance of your feedback and input.
We (the Students’ Union) will continue working with the College to develop the service over the next few years. But rest assured, your feedback is working its way up to the College senior management and being heard!
Contactless payments will be accepted from Saturday 16 September for all College Bus Service journeys, the price is still £1 other than to and from Kingswood Halls, which is free.
NATASHA BARRETT
UNION PRESIDENT