A new shuttle bus service for UTM students was the topic of discussion Thursday night.

Lovita Graham, a senior political science and economics major from Houston, Tx., wants to help international students and others who have no means of transportation. “The primary focus is the international students, but it will be open to anyone,” Graham said.

The basic plan is to run a shuttle bus three days a week to places such as Wal-Mart and the grocery store so that students are able to get things they need. “The shuttle will go to any business in Martin or Union City,” explained Graham.

As far as where the shuttle bus comes from, Graham is looking into renting the university vans. Since she is a student worker, she is able to drive the vans as long as they are reserved in advance.

“Drivers will be strictly on a voluntary basis. So far I’ve had an overwhelming response,” said Graham. If university vans are not available for the shuttle service, Graham will look into the Northwest Tennessee Human Resource Agency Rural Public Transportation, the public transportation program in Martin.

Graham’s shuttle bus program is in conjunction with the International Program and the Admissions Department. They have a small budget, but students will pay two or three dollars for gas, depending on how much they used shuttle, to keep the program “running.”

There will be time slots on the decided days in which the shuttle will run. Students will meet at the UC for pick-up.

So far, Saturday and Sunday have been chosen for two of the three days the shuttle will run. The third day will be decided upon at the next forum. Depending on how successful the program is over the next month or two, Graham eventually wants to go on trips to Jackson and Memphis.

“I am fully prepared to fund this program on my own,” said Graham. “I believe in helping people. I am not receiving any money, recognition or credit for doing this, I want to contribute to the campus.”

Graham said she approached Student Government Association leaders about the service, but the legislation has not acted on the shuttle service.

Dr. Dawood Sultan is serving as the faculty adviser for the project. The next forum on the international student transportation service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday in UC 229.