The results of the Student Association Huskie Bus survey indicate overwhelming support for a bus fee increase from $2.42 to $2.90 per credit hour.

David Pack, Student Association Mass Transit adviser, said the board was surprised with the 80 percent positive response to the fee raise. Pack said the increase is needed to continue the Huskie Bus system, the Late Nite Ride Service and the adapted transportation system, a service for disabled students.

“We were ecstatic. It shows the students feel they’re getting their money’s worth,” Pack said, adding the board expected about 60 percent support of the increase.

Of the nearly 17,000 copies of the survey printed in The Northern Star, only 170 were returned, including 40 from SA senators, Pack said.

Pack said the board was initially shocked by the 1 percent response, but it has come to view it as a sign of student satisfaction with the system. “People usually don’t get involved unless they feel there’s a problem. We feel this shows that there are no real burning issues,” Pack said.

Other survey results show students’ generosity does not extend to cover a proposed fee increase for year-round bus service. Fifty-two percent of respondents said “no” to the unspecified increase.

In addition to fee considerations and other survey results, the board is faced with finding a temporary replacement for the Handivan, which recently broke down. Van repairs include a new engine and transmission estimated to cost $3,000, Pack said.

Pack said repairs will take several weeks, leaving the mass transit board without a vehicle for disabled transportation. However, the board will try to borrow or lease NIU’s chairlift van, a request Pack said he is confident will be granted.

Although the repairs will deplete the Student Association Mass Transit Board’s repair budget for fiscal year 1990, Pack said the board can borrow funds from other areas of the budget if necessary. “We’re still ahead of the game by repairing the van rather than replacing it,” Pack said, estimating cost of a new van at $30,000 or more.

Pack said all considerations of fees and route alterations will be examined in light of the $36,000 deficit faced by SAMTB at the end of this fiscal year.