Sources: Victoria Hatch, 785-532-6541, skipper8@k-state.edu;
and Gayle Spencer, 785-532-6541, gayle@k-state.edu
Website: http://www.k-state.edu/osas/saferide.htm

Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010

SAFERIDE READY TO ROLL WITH NEW ROUTE SYSTEM

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University's SafeRide program is ready for a new school year with a new look and added convenience.

SafeRide provides a free, safe ride home to K-State students and guests who live within the designated city limits of Manhattan. The program's mission is to keep drunk drivers off the streets and provide an alternative ride home for students who find themselves in potentially threatening situations. The service runs from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

This year, instead of calling a special phone number to request a ride, SafeRide buses will run two designated routes in areas near campus, said Victoria Hatch, SafeRide coordinator.

"It has always been a goal to move to a fixed-route bus system," Hatch said. "We’ve waited several years for this to happen and are thrilled we’re now able to provide a bus system for students."

The purple route will circle Aggieville and the neighborhoods to the east of the K-State campus, which include residence halls in the Derby and Strong complexes. The white route circles the neighborhoods to the west of campus, including residence halls in the Kramer complex and the Jardine Apartments.

Each route has designated stops along the way to pick up or let off passengers. Route maps and designated stops are available online at http://www.k-state.edu/osas/saferide.htm.

"I’m very excited about the SafeRide transition to a fixed-route system. Not only will we be increasing our efficiency, we’ll also be providing a consistent and easy-to-use service, said Danny Unruh, K-State student body president. "The bottom line is that SafeRide just became a stronger program for keeping our students safe. I look forward to a warm and positive reception by our students."

"The routes selected were based on where the majority of students live in relation to campus," said Gayle Spencer, associate dean of student life. "As we receive feedback from students, we'll make adjustments to the routes and stops if necessary."

A current K-State ID is required to use SafeRide, but only one person in groups of up to four people needs to show the ID to use the service.

SafeRide operates on weekends when K-State is in session.

Funding for SafeRide is provided by K-State's Student Governing Association through campus privilege fees.

"SafeRide is an important, essential service that we offer our students at K-State. The safety of our students is a priority," Spencer said.