Page 87 - Security Today, November/December 2019

But others have been exploring a new option: building their own mobile ride-hail- ing service that allows a student to request free rides on demand.
Building Your Own On-Demand Service
Some universities are partnering with soft- ware-as-a-service (SaaS) companies to build their own on-demand ride-hailing service with an app-based interface, often times using the university’s existing shuttle fleet from a previous dial-a-ride student shuttle. These partnerships create a microstransit network expressly designed for each indi- vidual campus.
Although the app is built by a third party and powered by the SaaS company’s proprie- tary routing technology, it is white-labeled for the university. This allows the school to
By Dillon Twombly
Boosting Campus Safety
Universities can build their own on-demand ride-hailing service, supported by a mobile app, to provide students with safe rides home at night
name the service and brand it according to its own standards — and, of course, run it on its own terms. A partnership of this kind creates the best of both worlds: the safety and control of a campus-run shuttle program, and the convenience and efficiency of a third-party, technology-based ride-share app.
As a university explores a partnership with a tech company for a safe ride programs, there are a few key factors to consider:
Hours of operation. Universities can con- trol the hours of operation based on locations and behavior of the community. That means the institution’s leaders determine things like whether the service will operate only after dark, or at all hours of the day; during holi- days where the campus shuts down; and even during summer break where there may be students taking off-season classes.
Pick up/drop off zones. Just as important as the hours of operation is the area in which students can request a trip. Unlike tradition- al ride-hailing services that allow students to travel anywhere in the city, a university- operated shuttle can specify the zone(s) in which people can request rides. Limiting the rides to specific zones or drop-off/pick-up areas helps the university use the service for safe travels, and it ensures that vehicles are always available for students or staff to use.
Selecting the fleet. The type of vehicle and the size of a university’s fleet are two impor- tant considerations for a successful shuttle deployment. If a university builds their own on-demand student shuttle network, they can select the most efficient quantity of vehi- cles on the road at any given time, and the capacity and style of van they think will work best to drive students to their destinations.
Hiring trusted drivers. It may sound obvi- ous, but hiring the right drivers is critical to student protection. That is why universities have the power to hire (and rigorously back- ground-check) their own drivers, or ensure outside staff undergo a stringent, campus-
police-supported screening process.
Shared rides are better rides. With a stu- dent safety shuttle, all rides are (and should be) shared. By pooling multiple students into the same vehicle, it only increases security and safety by eliminating any potential one- on-on moments with a driver. Plus, when more than one student is in a shuttle at the same time, it not only increases security, but it also makes the rides more efficient and cuts down on traffic congestion on campus
(not to mention emissions).
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