LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- It's the first day UALR students and staff could ride the university's free, trolley.
The university says it's a safe and convenient service for those who park in the perimeter lots.
UALR sophomore Austen Catlin is testing out the Trojan Trolley for the first time.
"It was perfect. I'm glad I walked out and here it was," says Catlin.
She lives at one of the nearby, apartments on the trolley's route, which swings by every 15 minutes. She plans to ride it during the day and especially at night.
"I had a night class last semester. So, I think if this would have been there, it would have been a definite improvement. I did drive and if this would have been here, I wouldn't have had to do that," says Catlin.
Chancellor Joel Anderson is delighted to hear students are feeling safer with this new service.
"It's nice to have at night when it's dark. Although the campus is very well lighted, but in the winter time it's cold and from time to time there is rain," says Chancellor Anderson.
Anderson say's it's partially in response to some students' safety concerns after UALR sophomore Patricia Guardado was found murdered. The car she drove was found in a parking lot near the school.
"No and yes. As I indicated, this is something we've been looking at for a while. As we anticipated, we would have more cars and more students on campus, we would need to do this," says Anderson.
A trolley on the north side will circulate the north and east perimeters of campus while hitting commuter parking lots. The south trolley will run from the Coleman Place Apartments to the student center to the South Oaks Apartments on the East side of campus. Catlin says she plans to ride it again.
"I don't think it's practical to drive. The distance isn't that far. Having this will definitely be a nice alternative," says Catlin.
The trolleys costs UALR $300,000 a year. Although this is a trial year, Chancellor Anderson is confident it will continue.
The trolley routes will run from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. The shuttles are wheelchair accessible and can accommodate 24 people seated; about 45 people total can ride seated and standing.