Getting home at night is a big concern for students on college campuses around the nation.
For students at Michigan State University, that could soon change due to a free "taxi-like" service coming to campus.
Briayna Miles is a student at MSU who says walking at night can be scary. She always takes precaution.
"At night, I don't walk home even if I have to ride the bus to campus and then maybe catch an Uber home or call a friend ," Miles said.
Briayna is not alone.
She is one of many students at MSU that are concerned about their safety at night.
"Most people are really cautious but you always have to look around and listen to everything," said Maryah Fox, student at MSU.
Another MSU student, Scott Pressey says he feels pretty good walking home from campus.
"I usually stay pretty late at the library," says Pressey. " There is always at least one cop car out so that's encouraging ."
But for students, their life could soon become easier due to a new pilot program being launched by the Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU).
"The "Safe Ride" Program is essentially a free service provided to members of the Michigan State University community that provides free transportation options from anywhere on campus and off campus to a home address," says Jason Barnett, Vice President of Finance and Operations for ASMSU.
The university partnered with a software company called TransLoc
to develop and app where students can request the ride service from their phone.
"There is also a dispatch center that students can call in if they don't have a smart phone ... or the app," said Barnett. " The reason behind implementing the Safe Ride Program is student safety and convenience."
A service that many students like Briayna Miles could use.
"If they launch it before I graduate, I would use it ," she said.
The "Safe Ride" Pilot program starts April 2, and runs until the end of the school year.
Students will have the opportunity to vote on whether or not it should continue in mid-April.
For more information call (517) 884-8069 or email: saferide@asmsu.msu.edu .
