University Times

After a two-term test run, the advisory board of Project Safe, the student walking escort service, has voted to discontinue the program.

According to Director of Parking and Transportation Bob Harkins, the service was ended due to a lack of use.

"While this program has been discontinued, it is important to note that University of Pittsburgh's Night Rider system remains in effect to safely transport students, staff and faculty around the campus and its adjoining neighborhoods," Har-kins noted.

The Night Rider system includes:

* Van call: This escort service uses three vans to transport members of the University community throughout the campus area, as well as throughout most of north and south Oakland.

The service operates from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Sundays – Wednesdays, and until 5 a.m. Thursdays – Saturdays. Call 624-1700 for a van.

* Campus shuttles and buses: The campus transportation system runs most routes until 2:30 or 3 a.m. every night.

After 7 p.m., all campus shuttles and buses begin request drop-off service. Drivers will discharge passengers at any location along their regular route where it is safe for the vehicle to stop and the passenger to disembark.

* Port Authority Transit buses: PAT buses currently operate in the Pitt Zone of Oakland, Shadyside and Squirrel Hill until 1:30 or 2 a.m. every night of the week.

To identify campus safety issues, the Department of Parking and Transportation and the University Police are sponsoring a Campus Pedestrian Safety Forum. The forum has brought together undergraduate and graduate student organizations, administrators and representatives from the Office of the Provost.

"As a result," Harkins said, "an evening walk was completed with this group to look for areas on campus that need more light, better emergency phone access, landscape maintenance, etc." Members of the University community who would like to be part of the Campus Pedestrian Safety Forum or have suggestions on campus safety should contact the Department of Parking and Transportation at 624-3420 or e-mail at TRANSSYS+@pitt.edu.

In other Parking and Transportation news:

* The Department of Parking and Transportation has purchased 40 new bicycle lockers that are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis to members of the University community with an FY97 bicycle registration sticker.

Bicycles can be registered free of charge during normal business hours at the Ridesharing office in Forbes Pavilion.

The new lockers are located on the Litchfield Towers' patio along Fifth Avenue, outside of David Lawrence Hall and on the patio side of Forbes Quadrangle.

A $50 deposit is required to rent a locker. The amount includes a $10 key deposit that is refunded at the end of the term when the key is returned. Lockers can be renewed from one term to the next.

Lockers are made of steel and completely enclose the bicycle. They also have room for helmets, riding shoes and other items. To rent a locker, contact Ridesharing at 624-8616.

* The following vanpools have openings for new riders. Trial rides are available by contacting the Ridesharing office at 624-0687 or e-mail RIDESHAR+@pitt.edu.

Work hours 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Garden City/Penn Hills, Lower Burrell/New Kensington, McKeesport and Wexford/Cranberry.

Work hours 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sewickley/Route 65.

* A disabled accessible shuttle has been added to the shuttle bus Biotech route. The vehicle contains a lift and wheelchair tie downs. For more information, contact the Office of Disability Resources, 648-7890.

* TWA is offering a 30 percent discount on most published airfares for members of the Pitt community traveling on University business and 20 percent off most published fares when traveling for personal reasons.

The discount is available on both domestic and international flights. It does not apply to flights that originate or terminate in St. Louis or to TWA Express flights.Travel arrangements must be made through either Forbes Travel, 624-3424, or Mon Valley Travel, 255-8724.