Safety Escort not a cab service

This letter is in response to the April 17 letter "Safety Escort System must provide rides at all times." The letter indicated that six girls had called Safety Escort and were denied by the dispatcher on duty.\nThe mission of IUSA Safety Escort is to provide safe transportation to the students and staff of IU. The service acts as an alternative to walking alone to and from academic and job-related functions at night. We strive to be as efficient and effective as possible with the resources available to us. \nUnfortunately, resources do not permit the service to transport more than five individuals at one time because the vans only have five seats and five seatbelts in the back. The service was not designed to replace the bus system; it is a safety service for students and staff who are in need of a safe way home at night. \nIn addition, there are policies in place to prevent rider abuse. One such policy indicates that no more than two people may be transported from one location who are going to the same location. There is a high demand for the service on campus. Some nights, Safety Escort has more than 50 callers.\nIt would be impossible for the service to meet the needs of those students who really need a safe ride if others use the service who are capable of walking or finding other means of transportation such as riding the bus or calling a cab together.\nIUSA Safety Escort continues to be a vital part of the University's campus safety efforts, and I hope students will continue to utilize the service for safe rides. I invite anyone who may have questions concerning the service to call our office at 855-SAFE or stop by the IUSA office, Indiana Memorial Union Room 387, and a member would be happy to talk with you.