Oregon’s new ID design causes confusion on buses
22 July, 2016
category: Card Issuance, Privilege Control
Following the recent redesign of the University of Oregon’s ID card, the DuckID, there have been some isolated reports of students being refused ridership on the campus bus system.
According to a Daily Emerald report, bus drivers for the Lane Districts Transportation have refused to let students who presented the newly redesigned credentials onto buses due to confusion over the cards’ appearance. The transition to the new design was purely aesthetic, as no changes were made to the cards’ technology, and the card continues to enable students and faculty to use the IDs as a bus pass.
The university began issuing the redesigned Duck ID to all new students starting June 20 with the start of summer semester. All students, faculty and staff will be issued the new card design, with any students carrying the old Duck ID able to receive the updated credential free of charge.
In a university senate meeting it was revealed that at least one LTD driver had rejected three students from boarding the bus due to the new IDs, which feature a completely different layout and appearance.
Students have been urged to report to LTD or the campus with the driver’s name or the bus route if the issue continues. The transit body has been notified and no further confusion is expected.
Nevertheless, this stands as a reminder of the growing pains associated with recarding efforts or a card redesign in the case of Oregon’s DuckID. Clear communication with all stakeholders is a must.
