SUPD expands evening shuttle service for safety

Southern University Police Department has extended evening on-campus transportation to help ensure the safety of the student body.
A shuttle is now available from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. Monday-Friday to transport students from different areas on campus.
“The shuttle is here for commuter students and particularly our female students who have to travel late at night,” said Kevin Johnson, director of traffic and parking.
Johnson said this is another effort in addition to the call boxes and cameras to increase student safety on campus.
“I think it’s a good idea because there should be another way to provide safety to the students on Southern’s campus,” said Jefini Thomas, a junior accounting major.
A certified driver drives the 15-passenger van and there is one backup driver.
The permanent driver, Melvin Kelly, a former military truck driver, has also driven buses for the East Baton Rouge Parish school system for 16 years.
” I worry about the ladies. The shuttle is there for them to utilize,” he said.
Chemika Chambers, the shuttle dispatcher, said she receives about 10-15 calls a night, but the shuttle mostly serves students walking around campus.
The shuttle has been running since the week of registration. Flyers have been posted and announcements were made at the freshmen and parent orientations.
“We’re hoping for ridership to increase. Eventually, we’re going to add on more shuttles. It’s whatever the students want. Whatever they want, we’ll make it happen,” Johnson said.
Students who wish to utilize the evening shuttle can call the police department at 771-6222.