Are We There Yet?

By Mike Porter

VCU’s free RamSafe evening transportation service launched Dec. 3 and is already proving to be popular with students, faculty and staff.

The service to on-campus locations and nearby residences and buildings runs from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily and allows passengers to request a ride through a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. When a vehicle is assigned, the rider can monitor its status.

“Once the RamSafe van gets to your destination, you are notified via phone call,” said Rob Maroney, director of parking and transportation at VCU. “With RamSafe, you can stay in a safe location while waiting for your ride. While it has only been in service for a few weeks, the new system has greatly improved service and reduced wait times.”

Riders on the Monroe Park Campus without access to a computer or smartphone can call 804-828-SAFE (7233) and request a ride.

“We do still offer you the option of talking directly with a dispatcher but most people now prefer to use the online service,” Maroney said.

“RamSafe is available for all VCU students as well as faculty and staff. We do allow limited visitor usage with prior approval,” Maroney said.

Maroney said the service is getting overwhelmingly positive feedback.  

“We want to hear from riders. If you're on-campus tonight and need a ride to your car or apartment, try it out. Go to ramsafe.vcu.edu and then tell us what you think at ramtransit@vcu.edu,” Maroney said.

Here are step-by-step instructions for getting a ride:

·   Riders may access RamSafe (ramsafe.vcu.edu) via desktop computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone or by calling (804) 828-SAFE (7233). The RamSafe app is also accessible at VCU Mobile.

·   At ramsafe.vcu.edu, riders should enter their eID and password and follow the prompts to enter a ride request.

·   Riders should provide the following information so that they may easily be identified and that the ride is documented:

o   Current pick-up location and phone number (the online system only needs the phone number the first time a ride request is made).

o   The desired destination.

o   The number of people in your party (All passengers must have a valid VCUCard. Ride requests that include visitors are accepted on a limited basis but must be arranged in advance.)

Once a vehicle is assigned, riders can track it until it arrives by clicking the “status of your ride” button.

Students, faculty and staff on the MCV Campus should continue to call (804) 828-WALK for evening shuttle service. These shuttles provide transportation throughout the MCV Campus only. If you need a ride to the Monroe Park Campus after 2 a.m., call (804) 828-SAFE.

 
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