The Student Government Shuttle Bus Committee encourages aspiring artists and graphic gurus alike to design and enter an original logo to help promote the Panther Express all this month.

Those interested in participating are asked to submit a paper copy of a unique symbol with their name and contact information to the Student Activities Center in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union by Oct. 30.

Winners will receive a $50 Visa gift card along with the opportunity to showcase their talent on ads, bus stops, shelters and possibly the buses themselves.

The idea for the contest came as part of a promotional campaign organized by Michael Stopka, a junior political science major and chair of the committee.

“We want more people to ride the bus and get the word out there that this service exists,” Stopka said. “It runs everyday, seven days a week use it.”

He and fellow Student Senate member Isaac Sandidge, a graduate psychology student, have been urging students to utilize the service, which is independently operated by the school.

“(Students) don’t really know about the hidden fee, but it’s there, and they pay for it,” Sandidge said. “You want to get the most out of it.”

Both Sandidge and Stopka hope to attract attention to the service courtesy of a distinct logo that will be posted along with route schedules at bus stops, shopping centers and shelters.

Stopka has also considered distributing posters and magnets with information regarding stops and operating times, possibly displaying prominent Eastern figures and famous faces.

Aside from establishing exposure, their committee has collaborated to brainstorm ways to improve the bus service.

Recently, an additional stop was added near the University Apartments, and talks of installing safety lights in shelters for night use are under way.

The committee also intends to supply each shelter with a schedule and map and continues to examine cost-effective ways in which to expand the service to stop in Mattoon.

“I’m a big supporter of the Mattoon route,” Stopka said. “The budget is pretty restrained, and we also have to worry about time constraints. We want to keep it a free service.”

Erica Whelan can be reached at 581-7942 or DENnewsdesk@gmail.com.