Access plan takes off

A typical student breakfast: $5. An average student lunch: $10. A dinner off-campus: $15. The ability to use the campus access card for all three meals: priceless.\nIU's campus access program is becoming increasingly popular among students as more local restaurants are accepting the card as a method of payment.\n"We started taking the campus access card last summer," said Pat Elsett, manager of Chili's restaurant. "Since then, many restaurants around Bloomington have implemented (campus access cards) into their businesses."\nJames Johnson, owner of Jiffy Treat North, said he uses the campus access program in part to avoid bad checks and credit card problems.\n"So far, the card has been the solution to all of our troubles," Johnson said. "More students have been using their card in the store or through deliveries as they find out we are accepting it."\nBusinesses that participate in the campus access program have fewer cash transactions, resulting in a decrease in theft and cash-handling error. Studies by IU have shown students spend more money when they are using their campus access card than with credit cards or cash.\n"The number of college students who eat at Chili's has steadily increased," Elsett said. "The campus access card has had a positive impact on our overall business."\nBusinesses new to the campus access program seem enthusiastic to become a part of the University's collaboration to unite the campus more with Bloomington.\n"This off-campus dining option gives students an opportunity to discover a variety of restaurants in Bloomington," said Aaron Layton, manager of Crazy Horse. "We hope that the campus access card will bring in new customers." \nWithout having to carry cash or worry about sufficient funds, students using campus access can more easily keep a budget by knowing how much they have to spend ahead of time.\n"Each time I make a deposit on my campus access card, I can check my balance and add more money when I need it," sophomore Rob Miller said.\nParticipating businesses are pleased with the results of the campus access program as more students are eager to bring their business off-campus.\n"My friends and I go out to dinner more than we stay in," Miller said. "We usually only go out to the places that take the campus access card"