Cy-Ride’s Orange Route may soon be requiring a 25-cent fare for students who park at the Iowa State Center.

ISU’s Transportation Advisory Council has proposed the fare. They have also proposed that students commuting from out of town receive free passes.

Government of the Student Body President Adam Gold said GSB may help to keep the route free by funding Cy-Ride with the money needed to do so. GSB partially funds Cy-Ride through allocation of student fees. The student body would have to supply the bus system with an extra $50,000 on top of a funding increase that will begin in July.

But if GSB throws in the $50,000, student fees for all students, regardless of whether they ride the bus, may be increased. It is unfair to charge all students for some to ride the bus for free.

Also, an increase in GSB subsidies may take away from funding of student groups. GSB is here to serve the needs of all students from of all walks of life. It is difficult enough for student groups to get GSB funding because of the lack of money available.

Cy-Ride funding comes from other university sources and from the City of Ames, as well. The transportation board should look into other busing systems where passengers ride for free, like that which serves the University of Iowa and Iowa City community.

Another option could be for an alternative group to fund the route. Currently, the Brown Route is free to Towers residents because TRA funds the route. Perhaps a commuter or off-campus student group could do the same.

However, if none of these proposals work, students parking at the Iowa State Center should pay their fare, as everyone else does. People who commute from within Ames should be subject to the same charge as students who commute from out of town.