For the first time since Rebel Ride stopped service in October, students on campus at The University of Mississippi will have a free, safe-ride alternative during the upcoming Missouri football weekend.
The free shuttle program will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. between campus and the Square. Pick-up locations will be the same as Rebel Ride locations with the addition of University Trails.
According to Associated Student Body President Gregory Alston, who was a vocal leader in obtaining a replacement for Rebel Ride, students will have to show their student IDs to get on the buses.
“I am very excited that there will be buses running this weekend for the Missouri game,” Alston said. “A safe-ride transportation system is so important for our student body. There has to be a system in place that provides a safe ride for the students.”
According to a university press release, the Office of Health Promotion and members of the Rebel Ride Committee “saw the need for a temporary solution to be in place for the game weekend.”
“Our committee understands health protection strategies, such as a safe ride program, as a mainstay of campus-based alcohol and other drug abuse prevention,” said Erin Murphy Cromeans, UM assistant director for health promotions, in the release. “We want to remind students to be safe, be smart and be responsible.”
The Rebel Ride Committee is working on a long-term solution to the Rebel Ride system.