The Escort Service is driving into 2001 with a tentative list of improvements, including scheduling regular stops at Clemons Library, the service's most popular pick-up spot.
Growing demand and complaints from University students prompted Student Council to put forth several initiatives to improve the service.
The goal is to "improve the efficiency of Escort Service [by working] in conjunction with the University Police Department," Council President Joe Bilby said.
Other Student Council proposals include raising pay for the students who ride along with the police officers and adding more vans to cut down on waiting time, Bilby said.
Council hopes these proposals will help alleviate complaints from students regarding extended wait times. Some students complain of a 20- to 40- minute delay between calling and being picked up.
"The concept is great ... it's just [frustrating] when you call Escort and they don't answer or they make you wait for long periods of time," third-year College student Bridget Beirne said.
The Escort Service began in 1994 as a Student Council program and later joined with the University Police Department to provide "safe rides for students within a one-mile radius of Grounds," Sgt. Melissa Fielding said. The service, which operates between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m., is run by a team of 24 community service officers and University students.
"Escort provides safe modes of transportation to get people from point A to point B," Fielding said. "It cuts down on the opportunities for crimes to occur."
Since its establishment, Escort use has increased its size tenfold. The use in October 2000 was 4,100 riders.
Students most frequently use the service between the hours of 9 p.m. and midnight on Thursdays through Saturdays, coincidentally when the University bus service is still in operation, Fielding said.
"You have to know how to use Escort," second-year College student Meghan Smith said. "You need to call ahead of time so you avoid the wait ... if you work with them, it will be more effective."
The University Police Department now pays for Escort's drivers, student assistants and vans.
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