After Administrative Review, Party Shuttle Returns, Subdued

After the conspicuous absence of strobe lights and pulsing music on the late-night routes of the Yard-Quad Express prompted rumors a week ago that “the party shuttle” had been shut down for good, this past weekend saw the revelry return in subdued form.

The evening shuttle bus driven by Melvin Washington, Jr. on weekends has been dubbed the “party shuttle” by undergraduates, so named for its blaring external speakers, flashing club-style lights, and student dancing. But this weekend, after Harvard officials suspended the bus’s unorthodox features, Washington turned off the strobe lights, unplugged the external speakers, and instead played loud music from the bus’s speaker system.

Washington said the party shuttle was recently taken under review by administrators after a YouTube video of students dancing on the shuttle surfaced.

The “added features” on the bus have been “put on hold” until an evaluation of the safety of the shuttle can be conducted, Director of Transit and Fleet Management David E. Harris, Jr. wrote in a statement.

“We need to confirm that these additions to the experience of riding the shuttle are not impairing the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely, and that the atmosphere is not adversely affecting the ridership,” Harris wrote.

Washington said that he believes it is better for students to have fun in the controlled environment of his bus than out on the streets of Cambridge at night.

“I can’t control these kids. They’re going to do this stuff whether I have a party shuttle or not,” Washington said.

Moreover, Washington said he always strives to keep the students riding on his bus safe during the entirety of the ride, by driving under the speed limit, for example.

“If you’re on my shuttle, I’m going to make sure you’re safe from the time you get on to the time you get off,” he said.

Students and alumni have been quick to come to Washington’s defense. Messages sent over email lists urge students to contact Campus Services to protest the potential shutdown of the party shuttle.

Frequent riders of the party shuttle said they are disappointed about the increased regulation of the beloved bus.

“[The party shuttle] has been a cheery thing after a night out, and I’m definitely for it,” said Blake Zenuni ’13. “Melvin is really into it, and it can be a good thing for safety reasons.”

—Staff writer Laya Anasu can be reached at layaanasu@college.harvard.edu. Follow her on Twitter @layaanasu.

—Staff writer Elizabeth Auritt can be reached at eauritt@college.harvard.edu. Follow her on Twitter @eauritt.