The carts Bakersfield College students often see are not being driven by joy riders. The carts sailing through the campus are driven by students and BC employees who are constantly “on call.”
“The carts can be used for students in need,” said SGA Sen. Leah Crane.
Although the carts are not set aside for that specific purpose, sometimes SGA gets a call from Supportive Services requesting campus transportation for a disabled student, Crane said.
“We’re on call for student services,” said Anthony Doser, SGA activities liaison.
Robert Day, director of Auxiliary Services, including Custodial and Grounds, remarked that there are always plumbing, soldering or electrical problems somewhere on campus that require the use of his carts.
“I have to be everywhere on campus all the time,” Day said. “You name it (an emergency); it’s probably going to happen. I get calls at midnight. An electrical panel goes out, a toilet stall overflows, a major water line blows . like the one around the south entrance to the Humanities building. There are a lot of issues (here).”
Day looks forward to the day when he will replace all of the gas-driven vehicles used by his department with 11 electrical cars.
“Years ago, it wouldn’t have been feasible to do that, but the technology is now feasible,” Day said.
Day pointed out that the electrical cart generators have been improved upon, and of course, the carts are cost efficient: there are no gas costs.
“Electric cars are quiet; they wouldn’t disrupt class,” Day said.
The 11 carts, Day said, will probably cost between “$65,000 and $75,000.” However, he said, they would be worth the cost.
“I have to carry parts, ladders, etc. I can assess a situation better with a cart,” Day said.
The carts available to SGA are often used to haul glass, cardboard, cans, and reams of papers, among other things, Doser said.
“We use them to move something heavy from one place to another,” he added.