Many campuses offer a shuttle to help students to get around, and here at Tufts, we have our beloved Joey. With its myriad of drivers and a sometimes unpredictable route, the Joey is a critical part of Tufts travel. With the stroke of a key and the shoot of a text, you can know where the Joey is at any time. There are a few simple rules that will aid in your successfully riding and taking full advantage of the Joey, so listen closely. 1. Be punctual, if not early: The Joey drivers always seem to be in a rush to get either back to campus or to Davis Square, although these are the two main places the shuttle goes, so I'm not sure where the fire is. The Joey is almost always on time into Davis (save in the event of rush−hour traffic).
But don't push your limits. I have had friends curse and scowl at 5:58 p.m. watching it pull away two minutes early as they emerge from the T, seconds away from perfect commute timing. The Joey drivers rarely make eye contact with you as you enter the bus, so don't expect them to make sure you got your morning coffee before they depart. They aren't paid to have sympathy, so be on time. 2. Know the secret stops: Did you ever notice how the Joey unloads everyone from Davis before making the rounds to pick up more people? There's a whole half of a Joey route that is not advertised and is waiting to be used by lazy students like you and me! Yes, the timing does take consideration, but it is well worth it.
Perhaps the best is walking out of Dewick−MacPhie Dining Hall, stuffed from the cereal bar and dessert counter, only to find your white knight ready and waiting to escort you uphill to bed. The amount of time saved is incomparable, really. Take the Joey uphill, run into Carmichael Dining Hall, pour some batter in the waffle maker (and wait the devastatingly long three minutes for it to cook) and garnish it with whipped cream and strawberries before sitting down to enjoy — all while the naive Jumbo is still walking up from Pearson. You have won on so many levels. 3. Stay calm, especially in the wintertime: In cold weather, the Joey is as crowded as a can of sardines. If you have a short temper, it's time to find your Zen. It will be difficult when the girl next to you blasting Imogen Heap through her headphones steps on your foot or inadvertently smacks your face with her messenger bag — prepare yourself.
There's always the do−gooder at the door telling everyone, "Just move back, already!" You know there's no room. You know everyone already heard. You want them to shut up and stop repeating themselves. Stay calm; the ride is short. At least you aren't the one stuck by the door.
The Joey is a beautiful thing. It is a limitless tool that, when used properly, can truly revolutionize walking life at Tufts. From uphill, the Joey has even been known to grudgingly stop and drop off students at Professors Row on a Saturday night.
Sitting in Houston Hall, you can't imagine walking all the way to Bromfield−Pearson Hall. A shorter walk from the Mayer Campus Center sounds pretty good, doesn't it? Take a quick Joey ride downhill and forget Davis.
It's the Tufts campus, on demand.
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Anna Christian is a junior majoring in psychology and community health. She can be reached at Anna.Christian@tufts.edu.
