safeRide undergoes revisions
Laura Rompf
Assistant News Editor
SafeRide, the transportation system driving students from off-campus locations back to Notre Dame, has undergone revisions after its termination at the end of last year and should be running again in the next few weeks.
Although Matt Mamak, student government chief of staff, noted that the program was successful when it began three years ago, it faltered with lack of volunteers. Responsibility for SafeRide seemed to be too much for someone already involved in many aspects of student government.
"As the program continued, it faced increased difficulty. The coordinator, who worked for student government, also had to find volunteers, make sure the vans were ready, have people to work the phones," Mamak said. "This was a big responsibility over the course of the semester.
"The program became inconsistent, so we decided to reevaluate and think about it again. We wanted to find a way to improve SafeRide," he added.
Mamak estimated that on peak nights, 60 to 70 calls were received. However, on off nights, only about 10 to 15 calls were received.
Other complications added to SafeRide's problems. It was expanded last year to three nights and incentives were offered to volunteers.
"Last year was the first night the program was expanded to three nights [Thursday, Friday, and Saturday]. Also in addition, dorms and clubs could sponsor a night and earn $50," said Michael Palumbo, student body vice president.
"It was the first year there was incentive to work, the first two years the program depended completely on volunteers," Palumbo added.
All these complications persuaded student leaders to reevaluate the program.
"I was a skeptic at first, and wondered whether we really need the program because we did not receive phone calls complaining that the program didn't exist," Mamak said. "However, after sitting on the committee and talking to students, I saw a definite need for the program. From there we worked on improvements to make SafeRide successful again."
"At the beginning of this year we didn't feel many of the problems were resolved, so the Student Union on Transportation committee was formed,"
Palumbo said.
The committee — made up of senators, hall presidents, student government and treasury office members — compiled a report and presented it to Senate in November.
After reviewing the report, the Senate concluded that the service was still in demand, Palumbo said.
"A new plan was devised to address the problem that there was no central coordinator," he said. "The new proposal called for a coordinator who would be employed through the security office."
The coordinator would be paid $7.10 an hour, the highest rate a student can earn, Palumbo said. Their responsibilities would include publicity, getting volunteers or employees, and also training these employees.
In addition to hiring an outside coordinator, the new plan cut SafeRide to two nights of operation.
All News Stories for Monday, February 7, 2000
