Knight Ride, previously known as SEPS (Safe Escort Patrol Service), now features a van that will circle campus, making stops at eight locations from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. every night classes are in session, with extended hours around exam periods.

“Our students, faculty and staff can’t do research, they can’t teach, they can’t learn, if it’s not safe,” says UCFPD Chief Carl Metzger. “Having a resource like this gives people confidence and lets them know that they are safe. We’re so happy to be able to do this for our campus community.”

Many of the Knight Ride locations are already Pegasus Express campus shuttle stops. The additional Knight Ride spots also will accommodate students who live off-campus along Alafaya Trail and McCulloch Road.

It will take the van an estimated 30 minutes to circle campus.

Walking escorts and ADA-compliant golf carts also are available by calling 407-823-2424. The starting and final destinations that are in the inner core of campus are the most accessible options.

Knight Ride drivers and walking escorts are students who are part-time employees at UCFPD and who have been vetted and trained by the police department. They also watch for suspicious activity, which is reported to uniformed UCFPD officers for follow-up.

SEPS is a free service provided by the UCF Police Department seven nights a week while classes are in session. SEPS will run from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. during the final exams period.

SEPS drivers are vetted by UCFPD and operate out of the police department. The priority is to keep everyone on campus safe, and SEPS provides a “buddy system” to ensure that people on campus don’t have to walk alone at night.

SEPS ridership doubled in 2015, serving nearly 14,500 students, faculty and staff members and campus visitors. UCFPD encourages students to help SEPS double its numbers by plugging SEPS’ number into their phones and utilizing the service.

A safe ride or walking escort can be arranged by calling SEPS at 407-823-2424.