The student government’s Executive branch announced Thursday it would re-open the Designated Driver Shuttle, effective today. The shuttle, which provides intoxicated students rides home from parties and bars, has been closed all term.
Former DDS co-Directors Travis Edwards and Luke Ettinger were asked to step down and several drivers were fired after it was discovered during winter break that several members had taken out vans during non-operating hours. One van was damaged and reported stolen to the Eugene Police Department.
This was in violation of the probational agreement that the ASUO Executive made with the program after alcohol containers were found in the DDS office on two separate occasions.
Several student government members and University administrators worked on a DDS operations manual while the program was closed down. The new manual states that “absolutely NO alcohol is allowed in the DDS office.” One new policy includes instructions for dealing with riders so intoxicated that they pass out during the ride home or who “are unconscious at the time DDS arrives.” Drivers will not provide rides to these students and are instructed to call 9-1-1 if the caller is alone and unconscious when the shuttle arrives.
The new policy will not allow riders who are not enrolled students to ride.
“To ensure the safety of DDS staff and passengers,” drivers will check student ID numbers both by phone and at the time of the pickup.
DDS is now open between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. daily. Call 346-RIDE for the service.
Correction:
Because of a reporter’s error in Friday’s “Designated Driver Shuttle re-opens for service,” the Emerald incorrectly reported DDS’ policy on giving rides to non-students. “While DDS is open to only students of the University, DDS reserves the right to allow up to two accompanying passengers,” according to the program’s operations manual. Only enrolled students can call for a pickup. They are required to provide their student ID number to the dispatcher and again to the DDS van navigator.
The Emerald regrets the errors.