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Program Planning Action Guide
Marketing Your Program
Using Social Norming
Model Programs
High Risk Times
Creating a Safe Ride Program
Collaboration
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Van/Shuttle Program
A van/shuttle program usually operates
during the evening and late night hours, providing students and
their guests a free (or low cost) safe ride home. Most often, this
type of service uses one or more 15-passenger vans equipped with
a cell phone, 2-way radio, or both. Each night the program is staffed
by two people per vehicle (1 driver and 1 guide) and one person
as a dispatcher. These individuals may be paid or serve as volunteers
and are typically students. Rides can be obtained by either calling
the program telephone number or entering the vehicle while at regular
"route" stops.
This type of service generally works best in communities
where the majority of students live on or near campus and hangout
spots are concentrated in one general area near campus.
Advantages
- Students operate the service to provide their
peers transit home, which encourages responsibility and ridership.
- Two staff members are in each vehicle, offering
riders more security than only one.
- Training in CPR, First Aid, defensive driving
and the handling of intoxicated individuals better prepares the
staff to handle any unexpected emergencies.
- Strict vehicle maintenance standards can be enforced.
- Accurate ridership records can be kept, which
are important to fundraising, evaluation, and operating procedures.
- Staff members can control response times to ride
requests.
- Cost is constant and predictable, making budgeting
and fundraising easier.
- Efficient when students live close together and
near hangout spots.
- Capacity to transport up to 15 passengers per
vehicle, allowing for several groups to be taken home at the same
time.
- Service and product donations can significantly
reduce the cost of the service.
Disadvantages
- High start-up costs when a van must be purchased.
- Liability/Insurance concerns vary, depending on
state laws and various administrative philosophies.
- A large staff is needed for payroll, staffing,
vehicle maintenance responsibilities and the organization of training
courses.
- The cost to service ratio may be high if ridership
is low.
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