We're not going to lie -- we weren't sure if they were going to pull this one off.
But it appears the Undergraduate Student Government is actually going to extend Safety Escort Service to 3 a.m. next semester. The night golf cart rides currently last from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
USG has also secured funding from ASU Parking and Transit Services to purchase a new van to extend routes to the Brickyard, the Commons and the University Services Building (see story, page 1).
After hearing from a number of concerned students, we realized that despite Safety Escort's finer points, with the expansion of campus and the scores of students enrolled in night classes, something had to be done.
In November, we ripped on USG for allowing the golf carts to be used during the day, running down the batteries and leaving students who needed a safe ride home to call ASU's Department of Public Safety. It turns out this happened because of faulty charging chords.
And we all know DPS has better things to do with its time, like breaking up parties and making sure no one is trying to steal sound equipment from the Matthews Hall carillon bells.
Yes, this publication is notorious for poking fun at many things USG does or doesn't do, but we're glad they're taking responsibility for students' safety by extending the escort service's hours and routes.
Some students may consider the extension of these services a trivial part of life because they managed to register for classes on time and didn't end up getting stuck with night classes -- especially ones in remote places. But the new hours may also come in handy for late-night partying on Mill Avenue. God knows a few drinks might make some people look a lot cuter, maybe make food taste a bit better, but it sure doesn't leave you any safer.
Although USG officials stress that they don't want Safety Escort Service to turn into the Take Me Back To My Dorm Because I'm Drunk Service, it's still nice to know the option is there.
The accruement of this additional funding also shows that USG has something to stand on when it comes to starting new projects and asking for more money.
When USG wants to accomplish some new project next semester, it can refer to its success with the escort program. The chances are also pretty good that we won't scoff so much when they do propose such ideas.
You read that correctly. We admit Sophie O'Keefe-Zelman and company finally have some bite to go with their bark.
If they prove they can run an organized and a logical safety program for all students on campus, then who knows what kind of voice they could have in the Legislature. Does anyone remember the word "tuition?"
