Bridgewater State College Safety Escort Service

508-531-1745

7 Days a week, 7 p.m.- 3 a.m. 

Providing a safe way to get around the BSC campus.

We are currently Not Hiring Safety Escort Drivers or Dispatchers !!!

Welcome

With several hundred riders each night, the Campus Safety Escort Service at Bridgewater State College provides a safe alternative to get to and from on-campus destinations. The service is supervised by the BSC Police Department and employs BSC students in both work study and non-work study jobs as drivers and dispatchers. Employees undergo a criminal background check and driving test prior to working.

The Safety Escort Service consists of three vans that are available on-demand by calling ext. 1745 or by activating any blue light telephone. Vans may also be "flagged" down. The vans will pick up and drop off riders at any on campus destination including residence halls, academic buildings and parking lots.

The service is free of charge and is available to all students, employees, and guests of Bridgewater State College.

 

Riding Tips

  • A ride may be requested by calling ext. 1745 or by activating a blue light telephone. BSC Community members may also "flag down" a van.
     
  • Wait for the van in well lighted areas or inside the main doors to an academic building or residence hall. If being picked up from your car, please wait in your car with your headlights on.
     
  • The service is busiest on Thursdays - Saturdays and when it is raining. There may be a slight delay (10-15 minutes) on these nights.
     
  • Open containers of alcohol are prohibited in the Safety Escort vans.
     
  • Disruptive behavior is not tolerated and may result in removal from the van and police intervention and/or referral to the college discipline system.
     
  • Our escort drivers are required to obey all applicable traffic laws and college regulations. This includes van seating capacity. If a van is full, the van driver will attempt to have another van come to your location.
     
  • If there is a significant delay, or there is a problem with the service, please call the BSC Police dispatcher at 531-1212.

    Safety Escort

    Things you should know before calling for a Safety Escort

    What takes the safety escort so long?

    Typically the safety escort is operating with three vans on each night.  Many factors can affect the response time; no-shows which are mainly caused by students calling in too far in advance and are not at the pick-up location within reason.  This creates unnecessary call backs to the same location slowing the response time even further.

    Why don't the drivers just drive faster?

    The main objective of the safety escort is to operate Safely. All of the drivers understand that this is their main objective.  Any driver observed speeding or operating in an unsafe manner will be terminated. 

    Don't Harass the drivers to go faster!!!

    Why don't the safety vans pick me up on Burrill Avenue?

    The safety escort vans are not allowed to operate on Burrill Avenue before the barrier (island now).  The vans enter and exit campus via Hooper Street.  This is to reduce the likelihood of an accident on Burrill Avenue.

    When should I call for a ride?

    Typically you should call when you know you will be physically at the intended pick-up location within two (2) minutes.

    Why don't they pick me up on the side of the road?

    In order to maintain consistent pick-up and drop-off points and the safety of the drivers and passengers the vans will not pick up on the side of the road, unless it's safe to do so (Moakley, East Hall).  Safety Vans will never stop to pick up on town roads.

    Does Safety Escort pick up students from local businesses?

    No.  The safety escort maintains a strict list of designated stops that include all building and parking lots, as well as some adjacent businesses.

    The Complaint Process

    The student run Safety Escort service  proudly serves the Bridgewater State College community recently transporting over 55,000 community members and their guests in the Fall of 2007.  Complaints against the safety escort service and it's employees are taken seriously and all complaints will be reviewed and investigated if deemed necessary.

    Please click on the "The Complaint Process" to learn more about how to file a formal complaint.

    Want to make an informal complaint or offer a suggestion about the Safety Escort Service click here

    Want to file a formal complaint click here

    What if you choose NOT to use the Safety Escort Service!

    Escorts are provided for transportation to and from all points on the BSC campus. They are not meant for grocery pickups, rides to off-campus locations, etc. Occasionally, exceptions to this rule will be made based on the discretion of the officer in charge.

    If you choose not to use the escort service, the Bridgewater State College Police Department offers these tips for your safety while traveling around the campus, especially at night.

    • Plan your route. Walk on well-lighted, busy streets whenever possible.
    • Never take shortcuts through poorly lighted areas.
    • Don't walk alone. Get a friend to walk with you, especially at night.
    • If you must walk alone, walk near the curb. Avoid alleys, entryways, shrubs, and any unlighted areas.
    • Have your C*Cure card or keys ready before you get to your apartment, office, or car.
    • If you discover that someone is following you, get to a well-lighted area (a dorm, academic building, a store, gas station, etc.) and telephone the police.
    • Never accept a ride from a stranger.
    • Be alert and cognizant of your surroundings. Watch out for suspicious persons and dangerous situations. Notify the BSC Police of all suspicious persons by calling 508-531-1212 or 911 from an on campus phone.

     

 

Last Modified: August 21, 2009