In Senate’s annual Pound the Pavement survey of 934 students, 76 percent of students said they knew about the SMU Rides drinking and driving prevention program but only 16 percent had ever used it.
Sixty-seven percent of those who had used it said it was a positive experience. Of those that had a negative experience, the most common reasons were that it took too long, nobody answered, they heard students could get in trouble for drinking, the cab driver never showed or they were made to pay.
Mike Menchaca, one of the chairmen for SMU Rides this semester, said these problems are rare and the program works well. Most of the problems can be easily remedied.
“If [the phone] isn’t picked up, I’d encourage them to call right back,” Menchaca said.
If the problem is that the cab isn’t showing up or that the driver expects the student to pay, they can call SMU Rides back and they will straighten it out from their end, Menchaca said.
He also said that getting in trouble for drinking is not a problem. Anybody who works the phones signs a confidentiality contract and cannot talk about students who called. In addition, once the night is over, all names are “blacked out” to protect student privacy.
Meadow’s Senator and Student Issues Chair Kate Parkhouse said students should expect a little bit of a wait for a cab on the weekend in Dallas. It would be a good idea for students to call as the night is wrapping up so that they aren’t simply waiting outside for the cab, she said.
SMU Rides is run by Alpha Phi Omega and is financially supported by Student Senate. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 10:30 p.m. – 3 a.m. students can call from anywhere in the Dallas city limits and a cab will be sent to that location, usually within 20 minutes.
When a student calls, they will be asked their name, phone number, location and number of students who need a ride. It is important to have at least a business name if the student is unsure of the exact location.
“You don’t know how many times people call and don’t even know where they are,” Menchaca said.
On the other hand, some students avoid calling if they haven’t been drinking. Although many students think the program is primarily for those too intoxicated to drive, it can also be utilized by students who are stranded or have no other way to get home, said Menchaca.
Menchaca said several proposals have come to the table for altering the system, although none have been decided on yet. One plan is to issue vouchers to students during the week from a location like the Mane Desk. If students plan to go out on the weekend, they could keep the voucher in their wallet and present an SMU I.D. to the driver when the cab arrives.
Until there is another system in place, volunteers are always needed to answer phones, Menchaca said.
Parkhouse said she volunteered a friend from Senate one night and they turned it into a girls’ night with pizza and movies.
“Its not that bad to give up one night,” she said.
Those interested in working the phones or those with a suggestion or feedback can email SMU Rides at smu_rides@hotmail.com. Students who need a ride can call (214) 768-7433.