Issue date: 8/17/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Laura Lengyel Junior mass communications major Crystal Harris and junior accounting major Victoria Vogle ride the Cougar Shuttle to Cougar Village. Madison County Transit offers free bus service to Cougar Village, as well as fare service to the entire area.

Edwardsville, like any community, can be difficult for newcomers to navigate. With or without a vehicle, area residents have many options for transit.

Alternatives to driving
Madison County Transit
The MCT bus system features routes throughout Madison County and the metro area. Route and rate information are available online at http://www.mct.org. Additionally, MCT offers a free shuttle service to Cougar Village at regular intervals each day.

MCT trail system
Walk, bike or skate through the area using MCT trails. Series of paths run through campus and the area, providing opportunities for exercise and travel.

RideFinders
For those needing to commute to class or work, RideFinders helps users arrange carpools on its website, http://www.ridefinders.org/.

Key routes and areas
Illinois Route 157
This highway, which leads to Collinsville, runs along the western edge of the SIUE campus. Among the resources along Route 157 are gas stations, restaurants and shops.

Illinois Route 159
Most of the area's largest department stores are in this area, including Wal-Mart and Target, as well as stores such as Lowe's, Home Depot, Sears and Kohl's. This corridor is home to most of the grocery stores in the area, including Market Basket, Shop N Save, Schnucks and Dierbergs. In addition to large stores, the commercial districts running along Rt. 159 are home to a plethora of restaurants and smaller shops. Route 159 South runs through Maryville, Collinsville and Fairview Heights.

Illinois Route 143
This highway, which goes through downtown Edwardsville, accesses Wood River to the west and Interstate 55 to the east.

Downtown Edwardsville
A variety of small specialty shops are located in this area. Additionally, there are a number of dining establishments and bars, as well as the Madison County Courthouse and Edwardsville Post Office.

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