Safe rides for students available
A new service offered on campus will keep students safe while walking at night.
Night Rides — a new safety program established by the CMU Police — will provide free rides to students between the hours of 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. The number for service is 774-HELP, or 774-4357, and the program will begin in the first or second week of February, said Ron Griffiths, CMU Police associate director.
“The Dean of Students office and the police were concerned because the shuttle ended at 10 p.m., and we wanted to provide students with a way home,” Griffiths said. “This agreement seemed to be the best of both worlds and we think students will use it.”
Applications still are available for one of the four student driver positions. CMU Police is donating one older, unused patrol vehicle which will feature yellow overhead lights. The Night Rides logo will replace the police logo.
When not responding to calls, Night Rides will patrol campus and monitor any unusual activity.
Night Rides, the brainchild of physical education and sport Professor Stephen Thompson, will replace Chip Walk, which was abolished in fall 2002 because of little interest, Griffiths said. The Parents Fund, administered by the Office of the Dean of Students, is funding the program.
“We’re very grateful to the Parents Fund for giving us the opportunity to offer this program,” said Bruce Roscoe, dean of students. “I’m anxious to see what the student response is and whether or not they feel this service is in their best interest.”
The university will offer Night Rides as a trial program and, if student interest is high, the program will remain.
