24-hour access to a sober driver soon available to students

A new ASUA program will provide students with a free 24-hour taxi service for use during emergency situations, such as the need for a sober ride home.

The Student Lifeline Program, which was approved last night by the Associated Students of the University of Arizona Senate, will begin operating May 1.

Sen. Josh Maxwell - who sponsored the program in the senate - campaigned last year saying he would create a program that would operate all day, as opposed to the ASUA SafeRide program, which operates only at certain times and not on weekends.

Every UA student can utilize the emergency service with the help of a card that provides phone numbers for local taxi services. The card will contain the student's name and home address, as well as logos from corporate sponsors.

Students will have the option to be dropped off at three different locations: at a police department, a hospital or their home address listed on the card. These predetermined destinations are restricted to prevent abuse of the program.

"It's not perfect," said Sen. Jered Mansell. "It won't take you to your buddy's house or to wherever, but it is for emergency purposes - and for that, it's really awesome."

Working with Student Lifeline Inc., a New York -based company, ASUA will pay $3,000 to get the program started. The money will pay for a representative to visit Tucson to seek corporate sponsorships for the program.

If Student Lifeline Inc. does not find enough corporate sponsors, the company will be responsible for funding the Student Lifeline Program.

The sponsorships will go to paying taxi companies up to $100 per ride in cab fares and tolls - plus a 15 percent gratuity.

If ASUA decides to cancel the program during the one-year contract, the student organization will be fined $25,000. However, if ASUA has any problems with the program, it can write a formal complaint. And if the problem is not fixed within 10 days, ASUA can pull the program with no repercussion.

"This is a great opportunity to enhance safety through 24-hour emergency transportation," Maxwell said. "I think it's a great thing."

Cards will be available to students beginning May 1 at various locations around campus and will be good through June 30, 2003.