Council discusses Escort Service

University Council members discussed possible improvements and changes that could be made to Escort Services at their second meeting of the year yesterday. Vice President of Business Services Steven Murray said the volume of Escort passengers has grown very large. In the last year alone, Escort transported 317,000 passengers. After discussing some of Escort's main services, Murray said "some fine tuning" has taken place, including extension of Escort Service to 3440 Market Street and the repaving of a road leading to High Rise South. This was done so the path could be used as a depot to prevent students from waiting outside. Murray said the shortage of drivers is causing some delays. Undergraduate Assembly member and College junior Lance Rogers said he has several concerns regarding Escort's present set-up. "I think the issue of safety is priority number one," he said. "We can talk about undergraduate education, but if we don't leave here alive, it's not going to do any good." Rogers said there is a "definite need" to restructure the Escort system. He added that he has problems with the vans' efficiency and with vans that pass him by or refuse to pick him up because of the exact pathway their loops should take. Fellow UA member and College senior Dan Schorr brought up the issue of Escort vans going to commercial establishments, which is presently against Escort policies. "Students should be able to go where they want to go safely," Schorr added. Murray said the average current waiting time is 15 to 20 minutes. The lack of drivers causes some slowing of service, though, he said. Rogers advocated a possible solution of creating a central depot stop on campus. Under Rogers' proposal, all Escort vans would pick up anyone needing a ride. If the vans do not travel to the passengers' desired locations, the vans could drop them off at the central depot stop, which would be enclosed and safe. All vans would go through the central location. Undergraduate Assembly member Miae Oh said some people have suggested creating an Escort van specifically designated to go longer distances. "Never have I ever waited less than half an hour," she added, noting that she uses Escort almost every night. Murray said he values the input he received at the meeting and that all suggestions will be considered in his work with Council's Safety and Security Committee. Council also discussed community relations and problems in West Philadelphia, ranging from trash pile-ups and crime to community service and the Philadelphia school system. During the meeting, University Provost Stanley Chodorow and President Judith Rodin reported to Council on the inauguration, undergraduate education, and safety and security. And the provost responded to criticism regarding statements he made about student representation. "I generally hold that students should be on committees and should play a role where appropriate," Chodorow said, adding that he hopes to "set the record straight." "I am perfectly willing to hear from them and allow them to play the role they should," he said. Council also discussed issues including staff scholarship benefits, personnel benefits and committee charges for the upcoming year.