UUAB and ASI Board of Directors Approve Mustang Shuttle Funding

San Luis Obispo, Calif. June 6, 2022 — The University Union Advisory Board (UUAB) and Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) Board of Directors have approved financial support for the Cal Poly Mustang Shuttle.

The University Union Advisory Board (UUAB) makes policy and funding recommendations for ASI-managed facilities while working to maintain the integrity of the University Union student body fee. The Board of Directors is the official voice of Cal Poly students. The Board is comprised of student-elected representatives from each academic college. Their responsibilities range from oversight of ASI corporate activity to representing and advocating on behalf of students.

The Mustang Shuttle is a service facilitated through Cal Poly Transportation & Parking Services in partnership with SLO Safe Ride that helps support safe student travel in the evenings throughout the campus. In fall 2021, the pilot program was launched in response to an increased demand for safety, and approximately 16,000 rides were provided to students in winter quarter. 

In spring 2022, the university approached both the UUAB and Board of Directors to seek financial support for the shuttle. After a thorough review and debate, students voted to financially support the Mustang Shuttle program.

Alena Robinson, Chair of the University Union Advisory Board, stated that “The UUAB had a lengthy discussion on the support and full implementation of the Mustang Shuttle Program. Members acknowledged that student safety and well-being are at the forefront of ASI’s organizational purpose. After careful deliberation, the University Union Advisory Board voted to fund the continuation of a nighttime shuttle for students. It is our hope and belief that this program will foster a sense of safety for the Cal Poly community for years to come.”

The UUAB approved the fully requested amount of $95,625 to fund the 2021–22 Mustang Shuttle program and $33,280 a year for the next three years to fund the nighttime Mustang Shuttle program, contingent on an annual presentation of usage and feedback.

Additionally, the ASI Board of Directors approved the fully requested amount of $95,625 to fund the 2021–22 Mustang Shuttle program and $62,500 to fund one year of the Mustang Shuttle’s pilot daytime program and three years of its nighttime program. Future Mustang Shuttle funding is contingent on renewal by the Board; renewal review will occur every three years for the nighttime shuttle and annually for the daytime shuttle.

While ASI funded the full costs of the 2021–22 nighttime shuttle, future funding of the daytime and nighttime Mustang Shuttle will be a partnership between ASI, the UUAB, Cal Poly, University Housing, Transportation & Parking Services, and the Cal Poly Corporation to continue supporting the Mustang Shuttle program and student safety.

“With ASI funding, we can enhance student well-being and safety through supporting the Mustang Shuttle Program,” said Chair of the Board of Directors Suha Hussain. “I believe this program will improve nighttime safety and increase accessibility to distant areas of campus.” 

The UUAB, Board of Directors, and ASI are proud to contribute to the campus services and support systems that keep students safe. We look forward to providing Cal Poly students with the ultimate college experience any way we can. 

For more information, contact ASI Student Government at asistudentgovernment@calpoly.edu.