SafeRide is a free transportation service for all U of A students and affiliates. Call (520) 621-SAFE(7233) Sun-Thurs: 6:30pm-1:00am Fri: 6:30pm-9:30pm
Mission
SafeRide's mission is to serve those going to or from campus, while also providing a friendly and official presence on the streets at night.
Description
The origins of ASUA SafeRide can be traced to December 1978, when a nine-day pilot program was implemented to drive students around campus by bus. Although the program was costly and not heavily used during its short run, the university community agreed that an escort service of some form was necessary to protect students at night. For almost three years, different ideas were discussed and studied. Then, in 1981, the ASUA Escort Service was founded. Lacking motorized vehicles, the Escort Service provided volunteers to walk students from any campus building to any location between Campbell, Speedway, Euclid, and 6th St.
From 1982-1986, the escort service provided rides by car, thanks to a volunteered motor vehicle. By 1986, the Escort Service finally owned its first vehicle outright- a 1980 Toyota Corolla station wagon donated by Precision Toyota of Tucson.
By fall of 1994, ASUA Escort Service was staffed by 30 volunteer students. The Escort Service was providing rides to about 50-75 students each night. A daytime cart service for disabled students was another aspect of the Escort Service. In 1997, the disability cart program was so popular that its demand could not be met. It was transferred to Parking and Transportation Services where it remains to this day.
The ASUA Escort Service acquired a brand new minivan and electric-powered golf cart by the fall of 1995 to help with running the daytime and nighttime services. At this time, the Escort Service had three distinct components: the daytime disability cart service, SafeRide, and Safe Walk. SafeRide used golf carts, cars, and a van to transport students at night, while Safe Walk volunteers provided walking escorts to students traveling a short distance. Safe Walk volunteers also acted as campus watch dogs in high-risk areas, such as parking garages, the main library, and near sororities, when not escorting students around campus.
In 2002 the Escort Service was aptly renamed ASUA SafeRide. By now, all SafeRide workers were paid student-employees and the program owned five vehicles.
Today, SafeRide has a fleet of twelve vehicles: six sedans, four minivans, and two golf carts. As always, the main focus of SafeRide is to promote safety by providing a safe alternative to walking alone at night while providing an official presence on campus. We currently have an automated answering service and a staff of around 45 undergraduate student-employees. At the end of the 2008-2009 school year, SafeRide provided rides to an average of 500 passengers each night, with that number exceeding 700 on Thursdays. The all-time record, set on April 12, 2012, is 1,063 passengers.
ASUA SafeRide operates on an annual budget from ASUA and the Student Fee. This budget is generously supplemented by the University administration and grants from the Parents and Family Association.
By Brittany Smith (Administrative Director 2007-2009)
Sommer Long (Administrative Director 2009)
Want to request a ride? Just call (520) 621-SAFE (7233)
General Information
1.When requesting a ride, please be ready to tell the operator your location, destination, and number of passengers, in that order. If you have any special needs, please notify the operator at the time of your call.
2.If you are at or going to a residence hall, Greek house, or apartment complex, please tell the operator its name. If you are at or going to a private residence, please provide the nearest intersection; do not give the operator the address. If you do not know the nearest intersection or the name of the building for your current location or your destination, you will be asked to call back when you do.
3.Please wait outside of the building or on the corner of the intersection you requested. If you wish to wait indoors, please make sure you can see the pick up location. SafeRide will not call you upon arrival. You are responsible for being outside when the vehicle arrives. SafeRide cannot wait for extended periods of time.
4.You are responsible for knowing your specific pick up location. If you are not sure of where the vehicle will wait, please ask the operator when you request your ride or visit our website.
5.If you think you missed your ride, please call back and press 2 to confirm. If you did miss your ride, you will be required to call again to request another one.
6.When you request your ride, the operator will assign you a call number. Please remember this number, as you may need it when the driver arrives.
7.SafeRide boundaries are Grant to the north, Country Club to the east, Broadway to the south, and Stone to the west. We do not, however, pick up or drop off in the downtown Tucson area.
8.SafeRide can only provide rides to groups of four people or fewer. If you have more people in your group, please make separate calls to accommodate everyone.
9.SafeRide only accepts one destination per call. If your group needs to go to multiple destinations, you will need to make multiple calls.
10. SafeRide cannot transport bicycles or other large items.
11. Any belongings you carry with you must fit in your lap. This includes backpacks, purses, and all grocery items. As a general rule, you must limit your groceries to three bags or less per person.
12. SafeRide is not capable of scheduling rides in advance. Please be aware of your schedule and only call when you are ready to leave. We are not responsible for your potential tardiness.
13. SafeRide is an academic program. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. For liability reasons, we do not transport intoxicated passengers.
14. Twenty minutes before close, SafeRide boundaries are truncated to Elm to the north, Tucson to the east, 8th Street to the south, and 4th Avenue to the west. Please keep this in mind if you are calling within the last 20 minutes of a shift.
15. Between 9 and 10 pm, SafeRide drivers are switching out. If you are requesting a ride around this time, please be patient as it might take a little longer to get a ride.
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Here's how to contact us!
Phone: (520) 621-7233 (Press 5 to leave a message)
E-mail: azsaferide@gmail.com
Office: ASUA Offices in the Student Union Memorial Center
ASUA Safe Ride's website | Like us on Facebook and Twitter!
Safe Ride Programs United (SRPU)
Programs: http://srpu.missouri.edu/programs/
We define a safe ride program as an organization with the purpose of providing safe and non-judgmental rides home at university campuses and their surrounding areas. Our list of programs is constantly being updated:
Is your program not listed? Do you know of another safe ride program? We want to know! Please let us know by emailing srpu.usa@gmail.com.
What is Safe Ride?
The mission of the Safe Ride program is to provide students with a safe means of transportation from any uncomfortable or inconvenient situation. During operating hours, Safe Ride can pick you up at any location within the Fayetteville city limits and transport you to your residence as indicated on ISIS.
When should Safe Ride be used?Safe Ride should be seen as a "Plan B" option when other plans have fallen through or an unexpected situation arises where a student needs transportation. Several reasons to use Safe Ride include:
1. An uncomfortable date
2. Keys are locked in the car
3. Stranded at an undesirable location
4. Car trouble
5. Too tired to drive home
6. Need a sober ride home
7. Need a ride from a distant parking lot
8. Do not wish to walk home in the dark
9. Accidentally left by your ride home
10. A safe alternative for any situation or circumstance
What is Safe Ride NOT to be used for?
Safe Ride should not be used as your sole option for safe transportation, rather it should be considered a last resort when other options have fallen through that evening. Safe Ride is not to be used in lieu of chartering a bus by groups, including Greek Life and other campus organizations. Using the service in these situations results in long wait times and potential escalation of dangerous situations for students who truly need the service.
When does Safe Ride Operate?
The Safe Ride Program has two main components: Night Owl Service and Safe Ride Service.
Night Owl Service operates Monday and Tuesday nights, from 10:30 pm-1:00 am and provides service ON CAMPUS only.
Safe Ride Service operates Wednesday through Saturday nights from 11:00 pm-3:00 am and provides service from anywhere in the Fayetteville city limits to your official residence as indicated in ISIS.
How does Safe Ride work?
When you need a ride, call 479-575-SAFE (7233). A dispatcher will ask for information such as your location, your student ID number, and your destination. The dispatcher will provide an estimated time for the arrival of your ride. The van will then transport you to your residence. You are allowed to have up to three (3) guests with you on the ride. If you have special needs and require a wheelchair accessible vehicle please notify the dispatcher.
What if persons in my party live at different locations?
A separate name and valid student ID number is required for each separate location, all names and destinations must be provided to the dispatcher when you call. Multiple riders may call in on the same phone call.
How is my residence established with Safe Ride?
Safe Ride can ONLY give you a ride to your official local address according to ISIS. If you do not live on campus you are allowed one change of address per semester. If your first destination on Safe Ride is different than your registered local address, this destination will be established as your permanent residence for the rest of semester. Safe Ride may deny a ride to the location of a suspected party.
What if I need to cancel my ride?
If you need to cancel a scheduled ride for any reason, you must call 479-575-SAFE (7233) and inform the dispatcher. Passengers who are not at the designated pick up point at the scheduled time will be considered a late show. Passengers who do not arrive at the designated pick up point within five minutes of the scheduled time will be considered a no-show. Two late shows will be considered a no-show. Three no-shows in a 90 day period will be grounds for suspension from the Safe Ride program for 30 days. A second occurrence of three no-shows will result in suspension from Safe Ride for 90 days.
What are the guidelines for using Safe Ride?
We want Safe Ride to be available to help any student in need. To ensure that we operate as safely as possible, several guidelines are in place. First, individuals who create a disturbance on the bus can be denied service and may be reported to police. If the driver determines that a student is a danger to themselves or others, service may be denied and police may be contacted in order to ensure the safety of the student.
Alcoholic beverages and hazardous materials will not be allowed on the bus. Hazardous materials include but are not limited to gasoline and car batteries. The driver will determine what materials are hazardous.
What if I think I have lost something on Safe Ride?
If you think that you have lost something on Safe Ride you may call dispatch at 479-575-7233 the night that you think you have lost something and special arrangements can be made to retrieve your item(s). You may also call 479-575-5109 during regular business hours.
How do I contact Operations?
For more Safe Ride service information contact Will Groom, Logistics Manager, 479-575-5109 or email wgroom@uark.edu.
Safe Ride website
Safe Ride Programs United (SRPU)
Programs: http://srpu.missouri.edu/programs/
We define a safe ride program as an organization with the purpose of providing safe and non-judgmental rides home at university campuses and their surrounding areas. Our list of programs is constantly being updated:
Is your program not listed? Do you know of another safe ride program? We want to know! Please let us know by emailing srpu.usa@gmail.com.
1. Copy/computer center
All UCF students have computer access accounts. Each lab on campus offers assistance to help individuals access accounts and accomplish specific computer projects and tasks. Student Government funds one of the best labs on campus. This lab includes the services of faxing, printing, and many more computer options. The fax machine is free to use for local faxes, and a calling card can be used for long distance. This lab is also the only lab on campus that offers free printing services. In addition, poster printing is available for $2 per square foot. The SGA lab is also proud to boast an office supply area where students have access to staplers, paperclips, rubber bands, paper shredder, and other office supply tangible.
2. Campus traditions
To continue a new tradition, SGA, with support from the Campus Activities Board (CAB) hosted Knightstock Volume II. Knightstock Volume II is a new tradition that began last year at the very first Knightstock. This event has become a live festival with performances this year by Sister Hazel, Cowboy Mouth, Big-10-4, Average Joe, Tom Sartori, and Isle 7. Student Admission to Knightstock is free with a valid UCF ID. Doors open at 4:30 pm and the show runs till midnight. Students also had the opportunity to receive free items and purchase items from several vendors, such as poster companies and henna tattoos. This year's attendance tripled compared to last year with over 3,000 students in attendance.
3. Safe-ride program
Project Safe Ride provides UCF Students with a free cab ride to home and is one way SGA puts activity and sevice fee to work for the students. A voucher must be redeemed to use this service. This voucher can be picked up at the SGA Ticket Center, located on the first floor of the Student Union. A valid UCF ID and paper work is necessary prior to receiving a voucher. Last fiscal year, SGA issued 1,150 vouchers and 575 were redeemed. This fiscal year, SGA has already issued 575 vouchers.
New NightRide provides expanded night shuttle service on fixed routes
September 14, 2012
In response to feedback from riders and students, the SafeRide program has been combined with the evening shuttles to offer shuttle service on a fixed schedule along highly used routes.
The new shuttle program, called NightRide, is designed to provide safe, timely and reliable transportation throughout the night to students, faculty members and staff members on campus and in the surrounding neighborhoods. NightRide will cover a wider area and run more frequently than previous services.
The changes to the program were inspired by an extensive collaboration with student leaders over the last year, who shared their concerns about increased demand and long wait times. Combining the evening shuttles with the transportation resources previously used for the SafeRide program will deliver fast and dependable shuttle service to the greatest number of users, officials said.
The NightRide shuttles will begin running the new routes on Monday, Sept. 17, during the same hours when SafeRide previously operated - 5 p.m. to 4 a.m., Sunday through Wednesday nights, and 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Shuttles no longer will be dispatched on a call-by-call basis through the communication center, but will run approximately every 20 to 30 minutes throughout the evening. The new routes will continue to cover the campus and Hyde Park neighborhood, with several important improvements:
- Riders will be able to access a shuttle within one to two blocks of nearly every building on campus.
- New routes were designed with specific campus destinations in mind to make traveling around campus easier.
- Each University of Chicago residence hall is a destination stop in the new design.
- Shuttles will operate in both directions along each route to reduce wait times.
- The popular TransLoc system, which allows users to track the movements of the shuttles on a mobile app and on display monitors in the lobbies of some campus buildings, will show up-to-date information on all NightRide shuttle locations and arrival times.
Theresa Brown, director of the Office of Transportation and Parking, said that while the nighttime transit program has changed, the goal of providing a reliable and safe way for members of the University community to travel throughout the night remains the same. "These resources have not gone away," she said. "We are committed to continuing to meet this need by deploying the same number of shuttles previously dedicated to the program during the same service hours. Running the shuttles on expanded regular routes will allow us to deliver better service to campus."
In addition to NightRide, members of the campus community can travel at night with assistance from the University of Chicago Police Department service, umbrella coverage.
More information on the NightRide program, including maps of routes, can be found on the Office of Transportation and Parking website. These changes are all in the pilot phase, with the entire academic year as a review period. The Transportation and Parking office invites students and all other riders to offer feedback on the NightRide program at nightride@lists.uchicago.edu as they look for ways to improve nighttime transit on campus.
http://safety-security.uchicago.edu/services/ugo_nightride_shuttles/
Safe Ride Programs United (SRPU)
Programs: http://srpu.missouri.edu/programs/
We define a safe ride program as an organization with the purpose of providing safe and non-judgmental rides home at university campuses and their surrounding areas. Our list of programs is constantly being updated:
Is your program not listed? Do you know of another safe ride program? We want to know! Please let us know by emailing srpu.usa@gmail.com.
CU NightRide 303-492-7233 (B-SAFE)
FREE FOR STUDENTS, STAFF AND FACULTY!
CU NightRide is a student-operated program dedicated to meeting the safety needs of CU students, faculty, and staff by providing night-time transportation to support a safe academic and socially responsible environment both on campus and in the community. CU NightRide is free for CU students, faculty, and staff.
Clients will be asked to provide a CU ID to use the program. Those who do not have their ID available will be given a ride at the discretion of the driver.
How to Use CU NightRide
CU NightRide provides service on the main CU-Boulder campus and from or to any point off campus within the city boundaries.
All clients with groups of two or larger must go to the nearest cross street at the established pick-up time. Singles who feel uncomfortable walking to the corner can make other arrangements with the dispatcher.
CU NightRide requests a phone number when the ride is scheduled. Clients can still schedule a ride if they do not have a phone number, but the dispatcher will be unable to call the client back. It is suggested that clients who do not have an available number call the dispatcher back near their scheduled pickup time.
Clients with group sizes larger than three can only schedule rides up to 1 hour in advance on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
In an effort to maintain efficiency, Drivers will wait five minutes for your group. This time begins at first contact by the dispatcher. If you miss your ride, your ride will be cancelled, and you will have to reschedule a new one with the dispatcher.
All clients must keep the dispatcher apprised of their situation. Please call to cancel your ride if you no longer need it. Please let the dispatcher know if you have more or fewer people than originally scheduled. Because drivers are often scheduled to pick up multiple groups, your ride will automatically be cancelled if you try to bring more people then are scheduled. Drivers are in constant contact with the dispatcher.
During some nights, CU NightRide is unable to accommodate groups larger than four. On these nights the dispatcher may make recommendations for these groups to take the local late night transit or other bus systems. The dispatcher will provide information about bus schedules and stops.
Before clients call CU NightRide, they must know the location they are calling from, (the nearest cross-streets such as "the southwest corner of Euclid and 17th.") They must know their destination; drivers do not have time to find a location. Clients who do not know their destination may be refused service.
CU NightRide reserves the right to refuse to escort individuals who act in an unsafe manner, exploit the service, or harass personnel or their escorts. Acting in an unsafe manner includes, but is not limited to, refusing to follow an escort's safety instructions (i.e. not wearing a seat belt), possession of a weapon, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or violent or threatening behavior. In the event of refusal of service, our staff will make other safe transportation suggestions. If a person is refused service they may be banned from future use of the service and may face other disciplinary actions from CU.
If you would like to further support us, you can donate online at the foundation gift account for CU NightRide.
Follow CU NightRide on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nightrideCU
CU Night Ride website
Safe Ride Programs United (SRPU)
Programs: http://srpu.missouri.edu/programs/
We define a safe ride program as an organization with the purpose of providing safe and non-judgmental rides home at university campuses and their surrounding areas. Our list of programs is constantly being updated:
Is your program not listed? Do you know of another safe ride program? We want to know! Please let us know by emailing srpu.usa@gmail.com.
GUARD Dogs
This program has been suspended for the Spring 2014 Semester pending a review to make the service more efficient. Please bear with us as we work to reintroduce a more effective Guard Dogs Program for the Fall 2014 Semester. About GUARD Dogs
GUARD Dogs (Giving UConn a Responsible Driver) was established in 2006 as a no-questions-asked transportation service for students to use on the weekend. On average, about 200 hundred students use this service Thursday and Saturday nights. It operates from 10:00pm to 1:00am Thursday and 11:00pm to 1:00am Friday and Saturday. As an alternative to driving under the influence or walking home at night, they provide safe, non-judgmental, and reliable rides home to undergraduate students here in Storrs, free of charge!
GUARD Dogs is entirely student run and prides itself on being completely non-judgmental. The service is anonymous and will bring students home to their on and off campus residences. Though GUARD Dogs aims at preventing drunk driving by providing rides home to UConn students, they certainly do not encourage drinking or belligerent behavior. Remember, no one likes a sloppy dog! GUARD Dogs does owe its continued operation in part to the students it carries; their donations go a long way in helping to cover the weekly costs of the service.
Difference between GUARD Dogs and Husky Watch
The University escort service, Husky Watch, provides concerned students with a walking escort home. However, this program is run by the Police Station and is therefore unable to provide service to students who they suspect have been drinking. GUARD Dogs on the other hand is completely student run and non-judgmental with regards to alcohol use. GUARD Dogs provides rides as opposed to walking escorts, but only operates Friday and Saturday nights. For more information about the Police Department's escort service, visit their website.
Mission: To protect the lives of students and promote awareness of the risks of drunk diving by providing safe, non-judgmental, free, and reliable transportation home to undergraduate students at the University of Connecticut. By doing this, we will promote overall safety, goodwill, and responsibility among the University community.
GUARD Dogs website
Safe Ride Programs United (SRPU)
Programs: http://srpu.missouri.edu/programs/
We define a safe ride program as an organization with the purpose of providing safe and non-judgmental rides home at university campuses and their surrounding areas. Our list of programs is constantly being updated:
Is your program not listed? Do you know of another safe ride program? We want to know! Please let us know by emailing srpu.usa@gmail.com.
What is Designated Dawgs? Designated Dawgs is a 501 3(c) nonprofit organization staffed by student volunteers that provides safe, free, nonjudgemental rides home to students and individuals in Athens.
Designated Dawgs is a registered student organization at the University of Georgia through the
Center for Student Organizations (CSO). Designated Dawgs is also sponsored by
Volunteer UGA. Volunteer UGA is an umbrella organization with a governing executive board. Volunteer UGA develops opportunities for the various service based student organizations to collaborate and embrace the spirit of volunteering and civic engagement.
Mission The mission of Designated Dawgs is to make the University of Georgia and Athens community a safer place by providing safe, free, nonjudgemental rides home.
To volunteer, simply sign up on our online spreadsheet. You can sign up and volunteer any night we run during the semester. Over the past 10 years, Designated Dawgs has provided over 75,000 safe rides home. Designated Dawgs Facebook | Designated Dawgs website
Safe Ride Programs United (SRPU)
Programs: http://srpu.missouri.edu/programs/
We define a safe ride program as an organization with the purpose of providing safe and non-judgmental rides home at university campuses and their surrounding areas. Our list of programs is constantly being updated:
Is your program not listed? Do you know of another safe ride program? We want to know! Please let us know by emailing srpu.usa@gmail.com.
Kentucky Wildcab
Kentucky Wildcab is a free, late night on-demand transportation resource for UK students primarily designed to provide a free ride home to UK students and their guests while promoting responsible and safe late night transportation decisions. Rides may be requested using the Transloc Rider mobile app on your smartphone or online. You can access this app through Google Play or the App Store, as well as through the GoSafe on our LiveSafe app.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
With distinctive blue checker logo, Cats Cabs hitting streets to give UK students safe rides
By Katy Bennett and Clayton Bailey
Special to KyForward
University of Kentucky's Student Government Association today launched Cats Cab, a new safe ride home for UK students. The Cats Cab program, operated by Bluegrass Cab, aims to give students a free straight-line transportation option from anywhere within New Circle Road to their personal residence.
Cats Cab replaces the previous safe ride pilot program, Cats Cruiser, which provided transportation for students via fixed bus routes in partnership with LexTran. The new cab-based concept will provide more adaptable service at a lower cost.
"We expect ridership to increase dramatically because of the flexibility of the service," said Jake Ingram, SGA vice president, "and with a lower cost, we estimate the cost per rider to be about one-third that of the prior pilot program.
"Ever since we began developing the program last year, we have received strong support from the UK administration, the Lexington community and, most importantly, the students we serve. We are confident this has the potential to make a real impact in our community."
Five Cats Cab taxi vans, marked with a distinctive blue checker design, will operate between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Beginning Aug. 29, students can ride for free within New Circle Road with a valid student ID. For destinations outside of New Circle, students will pay a discounted fare.
To accommodate visitors, each person with a student ID can bring one person without a student ID. The Cats Cab will only take students home, to a residential hall, apartment or house. The program is about helping students end their nights safely.
"Bluegrass Cab is excited about our partnership with UK Student Government to provide safe, reliable transportation to UK students," said La Elkohli, owner of Bluegrass Cab. "We are impressed with the energy and enthusiasm of the UK student body to help make this program happen."
Students can make a reservation during operating hours by calling 859-252-CATS (2287), by visiting catscab.com or by downloading the mobile application from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Students will not be able to ride the Cats Cab without a reservation.
"Student health and safety is one of Student Government and UK's highest priorities," said SGA President Roshan Palli, "so we are proud to unveil a program that works towards one of our most important goals."
For more information about Cats Cab, visit www.catscab.com.
Katy Bennett and Clayton Bailey write for UKNow
http://www.kyforward.com/2013/08/with-distinctive-blue-checker-logo-cats-cabs-hitting-streets-to-give-uk-students-safe-rides/
New Card Cruiser initiative offers free, safe rides to U of L students on campus
Katrina Helmer Aug 14, 2019
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The University of Louisville is beefing up its campus security with a fleet of Card Cruisers, which are available to safely transport students and staff across campus once the sun goes down.
University of Louisville Police Chief Gary Lewis said the department is rolling out the new initiative to add another layer of safety options and convenience for those on campus.
“We are really a city within a city,” Lewis said. “We have 22,000 undergrad students. It’s important to be mindful that when you’re centrally located in a city, there are criminal elements that are potentially hazardous.”
So Lewis encourages all students to pay attention, travel in numbers, avoid burying your face in a cellphone and use the new option of calling for a safe and free ride in a Card Cruiser.
“It’s good especially after hours, when, often times, students are not traveling in numbers," he said. "They need to get from one place to another safely.”
From dusk until dawn, students and staff on campus can call 852-6111. That phone call will be routed through campus police dispatch to the security officer available. The vehicle will be marked and have flashing orange security lights on top, and the security officer will be in uniform. There will be five cruisers operating on each shift. If all of those are tied up, Lewis said a campus police officer will then take the call in a marked police cruiser.
“I think it’s important to have that level of engagement and to let them know that they’re going to be safe,” he said.
ULPD attempted to offer free rides in the past through a private company, but Lewis said it didn't quite work out as he'd hoped. So instead, the university just took the responsibility upon itself.
The department is offering the Card Cruiser initiative for anyone on campus and for students off campus at nearby apartment complexes.
“Where we are responsible for providing law enforcement services, that would encompass the area that we would provide those services,” Lewis said.
Lewis said if a student lives somewhere that is technically not within the U of L borders, the ULPD has a relationship with the Louisville Metro Police Department and can help find a solution.
The university redistributed some funds and the Student Government Association pitched in to cover the cost of marking the existing security cars with the new logos. The security officers and equipment were already budgeted for. But Lewis said there is a plan to buy two new cruisers to add to the fleet soon.
ULPD has 30 security officers and 50 police officers across its three campuses.
Copyright 2019 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
Student Government takes Freebee’s free ride-sharing services to the next level
February 18, 2025
By Mel Tenkoff
Freebee, the free ride-sharing service on campus, has accumulated 5,500 rides since its launch, nearly 10 times more than its predecessor, SafeRide. Following UM Student Government advocacy, the late-night service has expanded its 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. weekday services to also offer weekend rides.
The transition was driven by collaboration between SG, Parking & Transportation and university administration and is tailored to offer a sustainable solution to late-night transportation.
“Freebee is a perfect example of SG utilizing its position as the ultimate advocate for students to implement changes that directly benefit students,” SG President Roy Carrillo Zamora said. “This is the no-brainer kind of project that SG excels at and that tangibly improves the student experience. I think this is what SG should always focus on.”
In the 2023-2024 academic year, Emmanuel Clemente, the University Affairs Chair at SG at the time, conducted a large-scale student survey and introduced a bill to collaborate with Lyft to provide transportation to and from campus.
Administration rejected the Lyft proposal, so the announcement of a partnership with Freebee at the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year came as a pleasant surprise to SG members and students.
“The SafeRide program has evolved into Freebee, which the University of Miami Parking and Transportation Department put in place in Fall 2024,” the University of Miami said in a statement to The Hurricane. “Freebee custom designed its service area to cater specifically to students and where they frequent. Rides must either start or end on campus to be eligible for the service.”
Following its launch, students responded positively to the service. Less than two months after the start of the 2024-2025 school year, Freebee had provided 396 rides, more than half of the 559 rides SafeRide provided in 2023.
“I would say I use Freebee once or twice a week,” Alissa Spence, a freshman at UM, said. “It allows me to save money on places close to school.”
Even though first-year students are not allowed to have cars on campus, the University provides a variety of alternatives, including Metrorail, Hurry ’Canes Shuttles and others.
Of these options, Freebee’s late-night transportation is key to creating a secure campus. According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics, violent crimes off campus were 50% more likely to occur at night.
What sets Freebee apart from its predecessor is its “efficiency and effective” use, according to the University of Miami. Unlike SafeRide, Freebee operates through the UMiami App and allows students to request rides, track vehicles and get more accurate pickup times.
Freebee was only available on weekdays between 7 p.m. and 4 a.m. but has extended service to the weekends as a pilot program through the spring 2025 semester.
According to UM Parking and Transportation, the department “met with Student Government and the Dean of Students Office to gain feedback on the switch to Freebee. Student input guided the decision for the extended hours now being offered.”
Cecilia Ramirez and Bhavya Sharma, current chairs of the SG Senate University Affairs Committee, helped execute and pass the Freebee bill that expanded its services.
“Senate has been pursuing a free or subsidized ride-sharing service for years now,” Ramirez said. “After the incredible results [of Freebee], we knew we had to expand its availability to the weekends so that more students could benefit.”
As director of SG’s University Affairs Committee and leader of the Campus Liaison Council, Branden Logatto’s role involves bridging student voices and administrative initiatives. When his team saw the success and potential of the ride-sharing program, they worked together to advocate for the expansion to the weekends.
“This academic year, I personally meet monthly with Parking and Transportation Administration, Eli Stephan and Shane Plageman, in addition to my Parking and Transportation Liaisons, Emily Cleary and Layla Hilmi,” Logatto said. “We [are] able to clearly communicate the success of the service to the administration.”
After consulting with Heather Stevens, SG advisor and assistant to the senior vice president for student affairs, SG developed a survey to gather feedback about how students would like to see Freebee expanded.
“We had over 500 student responses, showing administration that the expansion of this service was a priority of the student body,” Logatto said. “Though we experienced some bumps in the road due to additional funding needed for the service, we were able to work with administration to successfully launch the weekend service of Freebee this past January.”
According to Zamora, SG’s future plans for Freebee advocacy include adding a third environmentally friendly car to the fleet and tracking usage of the service to explore ways to improve the experience.
Article from The Miami Hurricane
1. Napster Program
The University of Miami Napster Program: The University of Miami Student Government was able to bring Napster to it's student population and giving them access to over 700,000 songs. Students are able to download songs without any cost and UM is one of the first six schools in the nation to offer this program to their students. When we first started the initiative, the administration was obviously pessimistic about the whole program. Over a hundred e-mails were sent to random students at both Penn State and the University of Rochester to see how their student body was responding to the new Napster program; luckily all of the responses were positive and insightful. Through discussions with Napster, IT, and administration we were able to come up with a contract that would please all of the parties and from there the University of Miami/Napster program was born. Over the summer and throughout the beginning of the school year, UM and our student government have been featured in the Chronicle for Higher Education, The Miami Herald, Yahoo News, CNN news, South Florida Business Journal, and all the major local news stations. We were one of the only schools in the country to have a student initiative that began this program and we should all be very excited. The year began off with over 10,000 fluorescent flyers being inserted into the First Impression, the first copy of the Hurricane was devoted to Napster, the program was mentioned to all the freshmen at Orientation and the administration continually plugged it at major events. The University and IT saw a large surge of subscribers in the first few weeks with over 2,500 undergraduate students signing up. Over 1,000 circular Napster flyers were posted throughout the memorial classrooms and residential colleges, Public Service Announcements on WVUM, reminders on Ibis News, and most importantly a spot on the UM Homepage. The University is also looking into extending the service into the Law School and the Graduate School in response to requests from their respective Student Governments.
2. Safe-ride program
The University of Miami Student Government has, for the past few years, offered a fantastic shuttle service for the student population. Three separate services have been created through SG and they all offer safe, convenient transportation options for the students. First, the Ibis Ride transports students to the local social areas on Thursday nights. Picking up students on campus, the Ibis Ride runs until 3 a.m. Second, the Halloween Ibis Ride has brought safety to the students over the past two years. Running from 8 to 3 a.m., the Halloween Ibis Ride transported 1,600 students this past halloween to Coconut Grove. Finally, the second annual Thanksgiving Shuttle brings UM students to Miami International Airport, free of charge, on the day before Thanksgiving. All of these shuttles are available to any UM student and they have been a huge success for both UM and SG.
3. Book swap
The major program that is now being completed in the UM Student Government is Cane Exchange. Similar to a UM Ebay, Cane Exchange will allow students to be able to buy or sell items from one another, in the confines of the UM Community. With the help of our Webmaster we are really hoping that this site takes the place of the unsightly bulletin boards that are in the residential colleges, the University Center, and the Law School. Cane Exchange will not act as solely a book exchange, but a market for all goods that students may be interested in purchasing or selling, such as televisions, computers, clothes, etc.
https://www.olemissasb.org/safe-ride
Students for a Safe Ride is an Associated Student Body initiative dedicated to ensuring the safety of Ole Miss students and Oxford citizens by providing safe alternative modes of transportation. The group’s mission also includes creating greater awareness of alcohol education for our students. Safe Ride buses operate on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights and stop at multiple locations on campus as well as the Square.
MISSION STATEMENT:
STRIPES will provide safe and confidential rides home within the city of Columbia for any MU student and their guests, without judgment and at no cost to the patron. Additionally, STRIPES will create a unique opportunity for student volunteers to serve their peers, make a lasting impact, and keep our campus and community safe.
Founded in 2001, STRIPES has grown to become a staple of the University of Missouri and the city of Columbia. STRIPES, a safe ride program, stands for Supportive Tigers Riding In Pursuit of Ensuring Safety, and is completely student-run. MU students and their guests can call for a free, safe, and confidential ride home on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights during the fall and spring academic semesters. Calls are accepted starting at 10 p.m. and no new rides are accepted after 3 a.m.
There are no questions asked; students are encouraged to call for a ride for whatever the reason. Whether a student is working late, on a bad date, or is unable to safely operate a motor vehicle, STRIPES is available, free of charge. We will pick up and drop off anywhere in the Columbia city limits, but will only take students to a home address, never a bar or party.
STRIPES utilizes vehicles from Avis, and is funded by the Missouri Students Association, private donors, local businesses and patron tips.
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Interestingly enough, the idea of student-run, non-judgmental safe ride programs began with drunk driving. In 1998, a student at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX, started a program called CARPOOL following his DWI arrest the previous year, in order to prevent other students from repeating his mistake.
In April of 2001, five Mizzou students visited Texas and brought back plans for what later would become STRIPES. On October 4, 2001, the first safe ride home from STRIPES was completed. Since that monumental first ride, we've completed about 120,000 safe rides home. Our program is part of a larger, national organization of sister programs, called Safe Ride Programs United, or SRPU. STRIPES executives attend the national conference each February to develop ideas and make plans to better serve our fellow students and the community.
STRIPES website | STRIPES Facebook | STRIPES Twitter
Safe Ride Programs United (SRPU)
Programs: http://srpu.missouri.edu/programs/
We define a safe ride program as an organization with the purpose of providing safe and non-judgmental rides home at university campuses and their surrounding areas. Our list of programs is constantly being updated:
Is your program not listed? Do you know of another safe ride program? We want to know! Please let us know by emailing srpu.usa@gmail.com.
SA Government is pleased to offer the Safe Ride Home Service between River Campus properties and residences after bus hours. Safe and reliable student-driven van transportation is available by request at 585-276-RIDE and can usually arrive within minutes. As part of this hiring process, drivers are screened for prior moving violations and given a defensive driving course. Drivers are equipped with radio communication to Security dispatch for safety, and all use of the service is confidential. The program is made possible through a generous collaboration with University Security.
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Hours of Operation:
11:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m. everyday during the academic year (no breaks or University holidays)
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River Campus Locations:
IT Center (Rush Rhees Library), Carlson Library, Todd Union
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Residential Locations:
Hill Court, Southside, Riverview Apartments You can be picked up and dropped off at any of the six locations.
Call SafeRide Now
(585) 276-7433
1. Ride board
We provide shuttle buses from campus to our football stadium downtown for all home games so students can have easy transportation and don't have to worry about parking around the crowded stadium.
2. Safe-ride program
We found a financial sponsor that pays for charter buses to run a route between campus and Ybor City, which is where students go for bars, restaurants, clubs, shops, and a movie theater. It runs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
3. Copy/computer center
We run one of the largest and best computer labs on campus. It is housed in our student union with almost 80 computer stations, b&w and color printing, faxing, scanning, CD-burning, poster printing, laminating, and more. The lab also offers workshops on different computer programs.
Signature Program #1: Safe-ride program
B.R.A.D. Birthday Card"
B.R.A.D. (Be Responsible About Drinking, Inc) was founded by the family and friends of Bradley McCue, a Michigan State University Junior who died of alcohol poisoning after celebrating his 21st birthday. It is their hope that the educational information distributed by the organization will prevent other families from suffering the loss that they have sustained. Every time a USI student turns 21, Brad's parents along with SGA and the Student Wellness office sends a BRAD Birthday card to remind students to celebrate responsibly. Brad's story is told on the card along with the signs of alcohol poisoning and what to do if someone has those symptoms.
Signature Program #2: Extended library hours
Extended Library Hours during Finals Week
SGA, in cooperation with library services staff, provides the service of extending Rice Library's hours during finals week each semester. SGA members volunteer additional hours, so that other students can use those extra hours to study in the library. Normal Library Hours are 7:45 a.m. to 12 midnight. Extended Hours during Finals Week are 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. (Monday through Thursday). Fall 2003 Finals Week runs Monday, December 15, 2003 through Saturday, December 20, 2003.
DSK is a registered student organization at Western Michigan University as well as 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization. DSK is a service that offers free, safe, non-judgmental & confidential rides HOME to WMU students and their guests during our hours of operation.
DSK runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 11pm-3am during the regular school year. It is a service that is for students by student and ran by students.
Mission Statement:
The mission of Drive Safe Kalamazoo is to ensure the safety of our community by providing on nights of operation a free, safe, non-judgmental & confidential ride home to WMU students and their guests. They exist to address the issue of driving under the influence of various substances. DSK also encourages students NOT to drive while under the influence of various substances and to make good choices. They wish to provide a service at no-cost to prevent any substance-influenced driving and give back to the WMU and Kalamazoo communities.
Drive Safe Kalamazoo Website | info@drivesafekalamazoo.com | (269) 387-1131
Safe Ride Programs United (SRPU)
Programs: http://srpu.missouri.edu/programs/
We define a safe ride program as an organization with the purpose of providing safe and non-judgmental rides home at university campuses and their surrounding areas. Our list of programs is constantly being updated:
Is your program not listed? Do you know of another safe ride program? We want to know! Please let us know by emailing srpu.usa@gmail.com.
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