RENO -- Campus Escort now offers a more efficient way for students to schedule and track their rides using a service called RideCell. The new service will become available on the University of Nevada, Reno’s residence hall move-in day, Thursday, Aug. 23.

Campus Escort is a program funded by the Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN). It provides a free, safe transportation alternative to people on campus after normal business hours. The RideCell service is an expanding option to an already solid program. This year Campus Escort will also hire seven additional employees to keep up with increasing demand of rides.

Students simply login into nevada.ridecell.com  using their cell phone number and a password. After filling in the necessary information, a Campus Escort vehicle will be sent their way.

RideCell’s automated features will decrease Campus Escort wait time and will allow students to schedule a ride without waiting on hold. In addition, the new service offers notifications when driver is at the pick-up location and allows students to track their van via GPS.

“Last year alone, Campus Escort gave 36,000 rides,” said ASUN President Huili Weinstock. “It is our goal to make each student’s experience with Campus Escort a positive one and this service will help make our program more effective.”

Students still have the option to call in at 775-742-6808 for Campus Escort services. An automated system will help them set up a safe ride or they can bypass it and talk with a live dispatcher.

For more information, visit www.unr.edu/campus-escort.