Safety in Action

By: Scott K. Zimmerman, Administrative Director, ASUA Safe Ride

Commuting safely at the University of Arizona is a serious issue for students and their families.   Since 1982, Safe Ride has provided an alternative to walking alone at night.  The program gives free rides to students, faculty, and their guests in the evening and nighttime hours.  It is managed and operated entirely by students under the sponsorship of the Associated Students of the University of Arizona (ASUA).  As an academic service, Safe Ride’s mission is to serve those going to or from campus, while also providing a friendly and official presence on the streets at night. 

Safe Ride has always been in high demand, especially by freshman and graduate students.  As such, the service must continuously expand its service capabilities.  Last year, the program added two vehicles to its fleet, invested heavily in staff development, implemented an automated answering service, and purchased more efficient dispatch technology.  The year-end results were impressive.  On average, nearly 500 passengers were served per night.  During the 2008-2009 school year, over 90,000 passengers were safely transported to their destinations. 

Still, student demand exceeds the program’s capacity.  Many passengers report making multiple calls before reaching an operator.  Even after a record breaking year, Safe Ride needs to improve and expand further to serve everyone who needs a ride.  

The program is primarily funded by ASUA, the University of Arizona administration, and the Student Services Fee that is assessed each semester.  However, with recent budget cuts, outside funding is needed to cover expansion and equipment purchases. 

This year the Parents and Family Association is generously helping Safe Ride to meet its goals.  The PFA has granted funding for two new vans and the startup costs associated with them.   This funding will allow Safe Ride to supplement its current fleet of nine cars and two golf carts with newer, more reliable vehicles.  With less downtime for repairs, Safe Ride will be better equipped to handle the increased demand that is expected with the large incoming freshman class.   The grant also covers fuel and insurance for the first year of ownership.  This aid, combined with the lower overall maintenance costs of an updated fleet, will allow Safe Ride to hire more drivers and phone operators this year.  The result will be a faster, more efficient service for the campus community.

Although many universities throughout the United States offer similar services, the University of Arizona has one of the premier programs in existence.  Thanks to the grant from PFA, Safe Ride will be much better equipped to retain this status.  Without funding, vehicle purchases would not have been possible this year.  More than ever, help from the Parents and Family Association is allowing Safe Ride to invest in its future. 

Safe Ride is open from 6:30pm to 1:00am Sunday through Thursday, and from 6:30pm to 9:30pm on Friday.  Its general service boundaries are Stone Ave., Country Club Rd., Broadway Blvd., and Grant Rd.  A free ride can be requested by calling 520-621-SAFE.  For more information about the program, employment, and how to contribute, please visit http://saferide.arizona.edu.