MAP van team helps stranded students

Buffalo State car owners in trouble may be missing out on free services provided by Buffalo State.

The Motorist Assistance Program is a free service for all students, faculty and staff. A call to the University Police Department will alert the MAP truck drivers, who can provide troubled motorists with jump-starts, changing tires, or escorting them to a nearby gas station if they've run out gas.

The program has been running for over 20 years. Operated out of Chase Hall by the University Police Student Assistant Program, MAP is funded by parking citations within the traffic department's budget, said Jayme Riter, director of parking services.

"If any student or faculty member on Buffalo State College encounters a problems with their personal vehicle, they are provided with fast and convenient services," said Joseph Perez, the coordinator for UPSA and a human services graduate student.

One MAP vehicle circles the parking lots to help motorists in need. The truck runs Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the semester, Swendsen said.

 "They exist for a great reason and that's to help…That being said, there's just not enough of them," said Richard Harris, assistant director of Student Life for commuter and minority student services.

The program provides the help that many motorists will need as the cold weather season, the busiest time for MAP, quickly approaches, Winter weather directly affects motorists, with jump-starts leading to 90 percent of calls, Swendsen said.

"I would like to first make sure that every student, faculty and staff member on campus are aware that this service exists and that it is here to provide service to them," Perez said.

Many students still don't recognize the MAP van or understand the services that can be provided. Those who have used the program have come to appreciate it.

"One of the students in our office had a flat tire. We called UPSA…She was really thankful about how fast it happened," said Pamela M. Voyer, director for special events and protocol.

Although the program is in the process of planning ways to promote the service, it is still relying on word of mouth from students, faculty and staff.

Motorists in need can call UPD at 878-6333 or UPSA at 878-6612, use a blue light phone, or flag down the van in a parking lot, and the motorist's trouble will be handled as quickly as possible.

"I have had my car break down, and they have helped me out…They literally took me to the gas station. (MAP) been a credit to students faculty and staff," Harris said.

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