The closure of Park Student Union sparks new late-night shuttle service for students

The SafeRide Express Shuttle made its debut last night, and didn't stop running until 4 a.m.

The shuttle, a joint effort between ASUA, SafeRide and the Arizona Student Unions, will operate seven days a week from 6:30 p.m. to 4 a.m.

In its first night, the service transported between 30 and 40 students to various areas on campus, beginning at the Student Union Memorial Center.

SafeRide Director Sharjeel Durrani said he expects the number of passengers to increase in upcoming weeks as more students become aware of the service.

"Slowly the word is getting out there," he said.

The shuttle's six stops include the new Student Union Memorial Center, the Integrated Learning Center, the science library, Yavapai Residence Hall, Arizona-Sonora Residence Hall and Gila Residence Hall ÷ all of which are also stops on the Cat Tran route. In mapping the route along that of the Cat Tran, Durrani hopes students will become more comfortable using the Express Shuttle.

The express service will be available until Thursday this week, with normal hours of operation beginning March 23. Regular SafeRide services will shut down during spring break.

The idea for the SafeRide Express Shuttle came to ASUA two years ago, the same time current Administrative Vice President Jered Mansell entered the organization as a senator.

But the idea didn't begin to materialize until the end of last year, when the Park Student Union closed for remodeling. The closure forced many students living on the southwest side of campus to walk to the Student Union Memorial Center, often late at night, according to Greg McNamee, assistant director of SafeRide.

"It's been a struggle after hitting so many roadblocks for so long," Mansell said. "I actually saw (the shuttle) out and started freaking out."

The union will cover the cost of the van and all driver wages beyond 1 a.m., while ASUA pays drivers from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m., Mansell said. However, new means of funding may have to be sought out next year for the shuttle to continue to run.

Until then, Mansell said the shuttle will serve the UA and help make the campus safer.

To ride the Express Shuttle use any other SafeRide service, call 621-SAFE.