Safe Ride looks for new funding, sees changes
Bailey McBride
Issue date: 10/24/08 Section: News
The ASG has not decided how to use the funds yet for this year, Powell said.
"Safe Ride is beginning to outpace itself," he said. "We've seen dramatic increases in service time, from around 20 minutes to 45 minutes. There is a clear need for another, more immediate vehicle."
Ridership with Safe Ride has gone from 3,600 people in 2005-06, to 6,700 in 2006-07, to 12,500 in 2007-08.
The process to get a new van is lengthy, with approvals being necessary from multiple offices and departments on campus and in Little Rock, plus adjustments that must be made to the vans to get them up to standard for Safe Ride.
Members of the ASG are trying to work out how to continue to make Safe Ride an accessible and funded program.
One addition to the Safe Ride program this year is free advertising from the Web site collegetokens.com. Students who visit the Web site not only have coupons sent to their phone but also receive a text message that displays the hours and phone number for Safe Ride.
Students are encouraged to use Safe Ride for reasons including, but not limited to, being on an uncomfortable date, having keys locked in the car, being stranded at an undesirable location, having car trouble or needing a sober ride home. Safe Ride can always be reached at 575-SAFE (7233).
Safe Ride runs within the Fayetteville city limits. UA students and up to three guests may be transported to their residence any time during the hours Safe Ride runs.
"Safe Ride is beginning to outpace itself," he said. "We've seen dramatic increases in service time, from around 20 minutes to 45 minutes. There is a clear need for another, more immediate vehicle."
Ridership with Safe Ride has gone from 3,600 people in 2005-06, to 6,700 in 2006-07, to 12,500 in 2007-08.
The process to get a new van is lengthy, with approvals being necessary from multiple offices and departments on campus and in Little Rock, plus adjustments that must be made to the vans to get them up to standard for Safe Ride.
Members of the ASG are trying to work out how to continue to make Safe Ride an accessible and funded program.
One addition to the Safe Ride program this year is free advertising from the Web site collegetokens.com. Students who visit the Web site not only have coupons sent to their phone but also receive a text message that displays the hours and phone number for Safe Ride.
Students are encouraged to use Safe Ride for reasons including, but not limited to, being on an uncomfortable date, having keys locked in the car, being stranded at an undesirable location, having car trouble or needing a sober ride home. Safe Ride can always be reached at 575-SAFE (7233).
Safe Ride runs within the Fayetteville city limits. UA students and up to three guests may be transported to their residence any time during the hours Safe Ride runs.
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