Charter Service Escorts Students from One Campus Location to Another

After campus shuttle busses have stopped running, people can rely on Charlie’s Charter for a safe escort to any Ball State University-owned property, such as from Bracken Library, late at night to the stadium parking lot or to a residence hall.
During the regular semester, Charlie’s Charter operates Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. until 3:30 a.m. This important, university-wide service is co-sponsored by the Department of Public Safety and the Student Government Association. The charter service is available on a first-come, first-serve basis so at busy times there may be a short wait.

Charlie’s Charter provides community members more than just a free ride. By providing transportation from one BSU-owned property to another, they are able to take an active part in campus life regardless of weather or distance and are able to participate in learning and research opportunities on campus during the evening.
Mark Lytle, one of Charlie’s Charter drivers, reports that they complete an average of 25 to 28 calls each night. Of course, these numbers increase during inclement weather. Mark estimates that about one-half of his calls come from students taking advantage of Bracken Library’s late night hours which are until 3 a.m.

Deepti Gopalagari, who is working toward a M.A. in Computer Science, frequently calls for a ride following her 3 a.m. shift in Bracken’s Educational Resources Center. Without this service, she would have to walk unescorted for the 1.7 miles to her home in Sheidler Apartments, or give up her hours. For Deepti, the service by Charlie’s Charter allows her to work on campus while pursuing an advanced degree. For other students, Charlie’s Charter gets them back safely to the front door of their dormitory or to their car in one of the many parking lots around campus.

For information, contact Kathleen Pickens, Library Night Supervisor, KEPickens@bsu.edu or (765) 285-3330.

This article was published in The Library Insider April 2006, pg. 1.