The Strathmore Safe Rides van program began Thursday night, providing transportation for students between Gayley and Hilgard avenues.
The pilot program was implemented last spring to promote student safety around campus, said Stephanie Lucas, the Undergraduate Students Association Council internal vice president. The program, created by Lucas’ office, gives students an alternative to walking home late at night after public transportation buses in the area stop running at 10 p.m.
The van service shuttles students from Gayley Avenue to stops along Hilgard Avenue and the Hill on Thursdays from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. The buses will also run tonight as a part of the service’s kickoff.
“Last year we didn’t have the momentum that we do now … everyone’s really excited and enthused right now,” Lucas said. “(The response is) overwhelmingly positive, a lot better than last year.”
Last spring, Strathmore Safe Rides was affiliated with university police and the UCLA Community Service Officer program, depending on trained student officers to drive for the students, Lucas said.
However, the CSO program is not involved in the service this year, said Matthew Ellis, manager of the CSO program. The CSO program still supports USAC and thinks the service is a “good idea.”
With help from Debra Geller, USAC administrative alternate, Lucas found drivers from UCLA Transportation, as well as funding for the service.
The money for the project came from USAC’s surplus fund and from funds allotted by Geller’s office for student risk management projects.
The transportation will now be in the form of 16-person mini buses driven by UCLA employees.
Third-year communication studies student Kassidy Miller said she does not always feel safe because of the risk of harmful people out at night.
“I’m glad (USAC) is restarting the van service this quarter,” Miller said.