NIU’s Huskie Bus Line averages only five complaints per 100,000 passengers, said Huskie Line officials.

The 100,000 passengers is an estimate because the ridership figure may be off by 5 to 10 percent, said Charles Battista, Huskie Line general manager.

Very few complaints are due to bus-related accidents, Battista said. In 2004, the Huskie Buses were involved in only three preventable accidents.

“That’s an average of only 0.7 accidents for every 100,000 miles,” Battista said. “The total car damage for all three accidents combined was $1,900.”

The Huskie Bus Line performs background checks and examines driving records before hiring potential drivers. An extensive training program involving both written tests and behind-the-wheel experience are also involved when drivers are hired, Battista said. He added that random drug testing is done each quarter, with six to 10 drivers being randomly tested each quarter.

JR Perez, Student Association director of mass transportation, said the few student complaints he receives are similar.

“Most of [the complaints] are from people who waited a great deal of time for a bus,” Perez said. “This is more common in the winter.”

Senior communication major Ruth Silver said the buses are often overcrowded.

“There is not enough room,” Silver said. “There needs to be more buses.”

The Huskie Line has 14 active buses which run seven routes. Students are required only to show ID for the Route No. 7 bus, which travels around DeKalb. Non-students must pay a 50 cent fare to ride the route.

Battista had some advice for students who are worried about not getting on a bus.

“Leave a half hour earlier,” Battista said. “That way you can catch the earlier bus and make sure you get to class on time.”

Complaint forms are available in the SA office. Students will need to provide the bus number, route number, time of offense and a description of the driver on the form.