The city of Beavercreek’s refusal to allow bus stops along Pentagon Boulevard has affected Wright State students in need of public transportation.
Leaders for Equality and Action in Dayton (LEAD), a non-profit activist group, filed a complaint to the city 2 years ago after Beavercreek’s first refusal to allow the bus stops. The Federal Highway Association (FHA) recently stepped in and was in favor of LEAD.
The accusation from FHA states that the refusal of RTA bus stops is discriminatory and is in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The City of Beavercreek was given a 90-day deadline to reform their policy on the issue, or face the loss of federal revenue, according to WYSO.
WSU criminal justice major Donisha Richardson said she felt unsafe walking across the I-675 overpass when she worked at the mall last year. She said the passing cars on the overpass, the busy intersections and the harsh conditions of winter were some of the difficulties she had to face.
“I didn’t have a choice because I needed a job and didn’t have a ride,” Richardson said. “Public transportation should be available to everyone.”
WSU junior Rena Pitney said that the bus stops could have both positive and negative consequences.
"There’s disadvantages and advantages. Disadvantages could be more inner city crime coming around," said Pitney. "The advantage could be more income for the service industries over there."
Sophomore Ryan Rushing said that the issue should be left to those that have been working on it previously.
“We need to wait and let those who have been working on this for the years it’s been discussed have the opportunity to do this efficiently,” said sophomore Ryan Rushing.
The city of Beavercreek requested a delay in their reform, which would put off the bus stop construction for another six months, according to ABC News.
