A month after recent incidents on the Durham Area Transit Authority bus line, some N.C. Central University students still feel uneasy about using the buses.

But many students depend on DATA to get them to and from campus. DATA serves more than 10,000 riders and covers 16 routes a day, according to The Chronicle Online.

There were two shootings on DATA buses within two weeks of each other before Durham city leaders decided to increase bus security.

Some NCCU students say the shootings hit close to home because they use the bus system frequently.

“I feel that it is unfortunate that you can’t feel safe riding to work or home,” said Austin Henley, a criminal justice sophomore.

“The people involved should be punished and safety should be increased,” Henley said. Lazarren McLean was 16 years old when he was shot and killed on Dec. 26 after a late-afternoon argument on a DATA bus in front of Northgate Mall. It was Durham’s 40th homicide of the year.

McLean was trying to defend his 14-year-old sister Shanalda in the argument.

Lamar Bass, 17, was arrested Jan. 31 for the shooting. His bail was set at $5 million.

McLean’s mother, Sharon, told the News and Observer that it is sad that young black boys are killing each other.

NCCU students share the sentiment.

“Let’s stop hating each other and love one another,” said criminal justice sophomore Akoi Korva.

After another bus shooting on Jan. 7, Durham City Manager Patrick Baker increased police presence at the downtown terminal and added undercover police officers on the buses.

In the Jan. 7 incident, 17-year-old Dante McMillian was shot several times after an argument with a group of teenage boys on the bus.

McMillian had been hospitalized after an unrelated violent attack just 10 days before the shooting.

Kenneth Patterson and Michael Lee, both 17, were later charged in the shooting.

McMillian survived the incident.

Two years ago, panic buttons and security cameras were added to 43 DATA buses.

But some students wonder if the newly added security will make a difference.

Some say they will only travel with other students in groups. And some say they will not ride at night.

“I am [only] going to ride the bus during the day,” said Nicole Dewitt, a criminal justice sophomore.

“The violence between teenagers has been going on for a long time,” said Dewitt. “So when will some real action take place?”