What is it?

The purpose of SafeRides is to provide safe transportation to individuals who are generally traveling alone when no other means of safe transportation are available within the designated SafeRides boundaries. There is a maximum limit of three (3) persons per pick-up location, except at the Illini Union, ISR, and the Main Library at Armory and Wright. SafeRides does not duplicate service already provided by other MTD routes. SafeRides does not provide emergency transportation services to medical facilities, nor does it provide transportation services to bars.

When is the service available?

SafeRides service is available on the following dates and times during University of Illinois Fall and Spring Semester days only:

• August 21 to October 31, 2009 from 7:00P until 6:30A
• November 1, 2009 to March 13, 2010 from 5:00P until 6:30A
• March 14, 2010 to May 14, 2010 from 7:00P until 6:30A

How to use it?

This depends on where you are, where you want to go, and the hour. From Dusk (7:00P/5:00P) until 6:15A you can use SafeRides by calling 265-7433 anywhere within the designated boundaries (see map on next page), provided there are three (3) persons or less at the pick-up location and the trip cannot be completed directly on other MTD routes. Provide the dispatcher answering the following information: your name (first & last), phone number, pick-up location (street address/landmark), and destination. If your trip is within the SafeRides boundaries, the dispatcher will then inform you of a scheduled pick-up time.

Expect waiting times of 15 minutes during the week and up to 30 minutes on the weekend when demand is higher. Upon boarding the SafeRides van, the person who scheduled the trip will be required to display their valid pass or pay the appropriate fare to the SafeRides operator. As a courtesy to other SafeRides passengers, please be at the scheduled location when the operator arrives. Upon arriving at a pick-up location, the SafeRides operator will only wait 2 minutes for passengers to board before continuing to the next scheduled pick-up/dropoff location. Calls for SafeRides will be taken until 6:15A for trips to be completed by 6:30A.

From 9:00P to 3:00A you can board a SafeRides vehicle at either Armory & Wright - the Main Library at (:27 and :57 after the hour), Illinois Residence Halls (:27 and :57 after the hour), or the Illini Union (:00 and :30 after the hour). When boarding the SafeRides van, the person who scheduled the trip will be required to display their valid pass or pay the appropriate fare to the SafeRides operator.

If your pick-up and drop-off locations are both directly on MTD routes (example: residence hall to residence hall trips) and/or there are more than three persons traveling together, you will be required to use regular MTD routes to complete your trip.

SafeWalks Escort Service is also available for short walking trips on campus by calling 333-1216 or by contacting the University Police via emergency campus phone.