ESU's Safe Ride Programs Drive Campus Safety

With fall days getting shorter now, ESU students who would rather not walk home alone after night classes or from campus events after dark can take advantage of the university's new "Safe Ride" program. The student-staffed program, launched cooperatively with the campus police, offers students rides to anywhere on campus (including University Ridge after shuttle service ends) after nightfall. The program started Monday, September 14.

Robin Olson, campus police chief said the idea for the new program was suggested by students and initiated with the support of the office of the mascot committee, who allowed Safe Ride to use their vehicle, and campus police.

"All of our student employees have either gone through, or are going through, driver training," Olson said. Olson says the popularity of the program is growing, and with a staff of 20 student drivers there is potential to expand the program if necessary.

Olson says there are similar programs on other college campuses, but previous ESU escort programs, on bike or foot, inspired the creation of Safe Ride. The Safe Ride program runs from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., seven days a week. For on-campus transportation, students can call (570) 422-3063 during these hours. Safe Ride is a free service provided to students.

In addition to Safe Ride, another existing student transportation program run by the student senate aims to curb occurrences of driving under the influence by offering free taxi service from local taverns. "While the aim of the new Safe Ride Program is more focused on student safety on campus, the availability of transportation to students in a variety of situations will add to campus and student safety in general," said Chief Olson.