The Student Association Mass Transit Board developed a plan Monday to save $8,500 by combining two bus routes, but failed to pass the proposal.

The proposal to combine routes 7 and 9 failed to muster the two-thirds vote necessary because four of the 12 committee members were absent and two abstained from voting. Adviser Dave Pack said the idea will probably resurface at next week’s board meeting.

“This will streamline the system with the least amount of damage,” board member Mark Harkness said. “I think it’s a good idea to save some money.”

Board member Olin Anderson said about $8,500 would be saved with the combination. The extra bus could be used on another route, or the money could be used to ease the $36,000 transit deficit projected for next year, board members said.

The proposal would merge route 9, which runs to Sycamore and the NIU School of Engineering, with route 7, which serves the Sycamore Road shopping district.

The 7/9 combination route would leave the Holmes Student Center each hour, beginning at 7 a.m. and ending at 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The route will run a regular 7 route after 9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday. The route would run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, and resume regular 7 route service for the weekend.

The 7/9 bus would leave the student center, travel to shopping areas on Sycamore Road, stop at the School of Engineering in Sycamore and return to campus on Normal Road. The combination would have frequent stops along the route in addition to the major areas. If adopted, the combination route will take effect next spring.

Although the route might inconvenience people who shop on Sycamore Road during the weekdays by traveling to Sycamore before returning to campus, Huskie Line General Manager Charlie Battista said, “The prime responsibility is getting people to and from classes” at the School of Engineering.

Board members expressed concern about the proposed route time change from 40 minutes to one hour. Riders should consider the change when scheduling classes.