C'mon 'n ride it (The Marlin Express

Students at Virginia Wesleyan now have something new to do on the weekend. After a hard week of classes, they can catch a ride on The Marlin Express shuttle to MacArthur Center every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for free.

The program, which was Dean of Students David Buckingham's idea, first started on Feb. 4.

However, because the program is new, many students do not know about it. Some students are taking advantage of this service. The college is seeking more students to participate.

"This program is in its infancy," Director of Campus Security Leo Therrien said. "I'm sure as the weather warms up there will be more participants."

The program is open to all students. All they have to do is wait for The Marlin Express shuttle to come pick them up.

"We'll pick students up at the Marlin Express sign," Therrien said.

On Friday, the shuttle drops students off at 6 p.m. and brings them back to campus at 11. On Saturday, there are two different times. The first one takes students at 2 p.m. and picks them up at 6 p.m.. The shuttle makes another run from 6 p.m. to midnight. On Sunday, the shuttle will drop students off at 2 p.m., and pick them up at 6 p.m..

John Adams, a former VWC student, is currently the only driver of The Marlin Express. If Adams is unavailable to transport students, a security officer will then transport them.

What students may not realize is that once they are dropped off, they have access to more than just MacArthur Center.

Students also have full access to the NET.

The NET stands for "Norfolk Electric Transit." It is a bus that the City of Norfolk provides for anyone who wants to experience Downtown Norfolk. It provides fast service to stores, restaurants, movies and other entertainment attractions throughout downtown Norfolk. The route has 15 stops along a 2.2-mile route. The bus can hold up to 22 passengers. There is more than one bus, and during peak hours several buses are used.

During the week, NET runs from Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. On Saturday, the NET runs from noon to midnight. On Sunday, it runs from noon until 8 p.m.

The future of the shuttle is hopeful. Currently, the program is expected to return next year, but a lot of it depends on the students.

"It depends on how active it is and how many want to use it," said Therrien. "Hopefully we can keep this thing going."

So far, the program has gone off without a hitch.

"The ones who have used it are very complimentary," Therrien said.

There has not been one problem with this program so far, and students now have full access to places throughout Downtown Norfolk on the weekend. Students are encouraged to participate and have fun.

"This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to go shopping downtown and see other things," Therrien said.