There is a new addition to Auburn’s campus and many would say it’s long overdue, but thanks to Griffin Bruns, senior adviser to the Student Government Association president, it is here.

On Wednesday, Sept. 19, Auburn launched Toomer’s Ten, a nightly transit system, for the convenience and protection of Auburn University students. This system is loosely modeled after similar night transits at the University of Tennessee, University of Georgia and University of Mississippi. Auburn University contracts with Groome Transportation of Columbus, Ga., to provide the buses and friendly drivers we chat with every evening as we travel to and from the Auburn downtown nightlife.

Griffin feels this system is vital to the Auburn campus. He says people were misusing the night security shuttles to go downtown; they should be used to safely transport students to dorms, parking lots or the library.

Griffin worked closely with many other people to get this system up and running. These influential people include Auburn University employees David George, director of Transit Services, and Rex Huffman, manager of Transit Services. Members of the board of trustees and Don Large, CEO of Auburn University, are also to thank for funding and approval of Toomer’s Ten.

“The new vice president of student affairs, Dr. Ainsley Carry; and the administration in general were very supportive when I proposed the idea.”

Griffin also links success of the implementation of the project to SGA president, Jacob Watkins.

“Jacob’s meetings and presentations with the board of trustees were integral in the approval of the system.”

Griffin reports the first obstacle he faced was funding. After investigation, he learned Toomer’s Ten could be funded by stimulus money from the government because it is a sustainability initiative.

Toomer’s Ten buses are monitored by a GPS located in the student center to ensure transits are running the correct routes. The cheery men and women in navy blue coats found downtown outside of Sky Bar Café are employed by Groome Transportation to see that students are informed of which route to take and to see that the system is operating as efficiently as possible.

Griffin said no when asked if the system experienced any kinks in the first week of operation.

“We worked very closely with the men that operate the existing transit system to prepare for any situation that might arise.”

The numbers are not in yet, but SGA is collaborating with the Auburn Police Department to get statistics on alcohol related incidents and accidents prior to and after implementation of Toomer’s Ten.

“We will get those numbers at the end of the semester, but with consistent increase in ridership we expect positive results.”

Yes, ridership is increasing. Toomer’s Ten delivered 1602 students safely home during their first four nights of operation. During three nights of operation in week three, 2149 students were given rides.

Toomer’s Ten transits are located outside Sky Bar Café on Wednesday through Friday nights and operate from 10p.m. to 3a.m. Add “riding the ten” to your Auburn experience list.


Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village