Although a proposed Associated Student Government budget amendment to fund a shuttle from campus to the Mark II Lounge failed in Senate, the 1800 Club has decided to transport bar patrons on its own.
A 25-person trial shuttle bus from the 1800 Club to the Mark II Lounge (aka “the Deuce”) at Howard and Western streets had its first run last Monday night and will give 1800 Club customers a free ride every Monday at 12:30 a.m.
Loren Rattner, manager of the 1800 Club, said six passengers took the trip last Monday. A more definite schedule will be set in the future depending on demand, he said.
“It’s a good idea, instead of paying $7 for a cab to Chicago, come to the 1800 Club and hop on board,” Rattner said. “We’re not trying to take business away from anybody. We’re just trying to be helpful to our customers.”
Although Evanston bars, including the 1800 Club, close at 1 a.m. on weeknights due to city regulations, the Mark II stays open until 4 a.m. as it falls within Chicago’s boundaries.
1800 Club patrons said they were surprised the shuttle was offered, but happy to take advantage of the free ride.
“We heard there was a shuttle, and we thought they might be lying,” said Music sophomore Kat Voboril. “But when we went out, there was a nice bus. It made my day. Actually, it made my week.”
Three weeks ago, Associated Student Government senators considered amending the 2002-03 operating budget to fund a $9,500 shuttle to the street corner where the Mark II and an International House of Pancakes are located.
ASG treasurer Edwin Chan opposed the amendment, questioning the use of student funds to promote bar-hopping.
“Are you going to take this back to the parents, saying that this is how we spend (the Student Activities Fee), by taking students to bars?” said Chan, a Weinberg senior. “Is this really what you’re trying to do? How is this enriching the students’ university experience?”
Although the proposed amendment failed, Allison Hall senators planned to propose it again at a later time.
“Our research consisted of talking to (Vice President for Student Affairs William) Banis, and he said that even though it’s the students’ money, regardless of student interest in it, the university will not condone drinking, especially underage drinking,” said Allison Sen. C.J. Willey. “And there’s no way we can get the IHOP shuttle to work. He doesn’t believe in the late night pancake cravings throughout campus.”
Even though she was excited to use the shuttle, Voboril said it wasn’t ASG’s place to fund it.
“You just can’t use student money to fund something like this,” Voboril said. “But it’s a great idea for the company to fund it. Everyone should use it all the time.”
Rattner said the 1800 Club has previously thought about providing a shuttle service, but was afraid of flooding the Mark II with too many customers. The two bars are run by the same ownership group.
The shuttle had been used on prior occasions to transport students to NU football and basketball games, and has proven to be successful, Rattner said.
“It just seemed like a really good idea,” Rattner said. “A lot of Northwestern students already come to the bars out here and students don’t have to drive after drinking.”
Voboril said she would want the shuttle to run on more nights, but she is concerned about the crowd as the bars are already packed with customers on some evenings.
“I would love it if they have it on Thursdays,” Voboril said. “I’m a little worried about it being too crowded. There may be too many people on Thursday nights for that to be a good idea.”