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It drives through the streets of Orono and Old Town, lurking around dark corners, searching for college students. But it’s not a stalker — it’s a ride home.
The Late Night Local — more commonly known as the “drunk bus” — is on the watch for University of Maine students who need a ride home from a weekend-night out.
Driven by the brothers of Alpha Delta and the sisters of Gamma Sigma Sigma, the Late Night Local is a voluntary taxi service that offers free rides home on Friday and Saturday nights.
The service runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and will take riders pretty much anywhere in Orono and Old Town. There’s no telephone number to call, as the six seats in the van would be quickly overrun, but if you’re lucky enough to spot it, the driver and assistant will get you home in one piece.
The blue van, rented from UMaine’s van-rental service, can be spotted by its lighted taxi-like sign on the roof and a sign with their logo on the back doors.
“It’s a way to help keep UMaine safe late at night, by keeping students, intoxicated or not, off of the streets and helping them get to their destinations faster,” said Kendra West, president of Gamma Sigma Sigma.
“Riders are very grateful and excited when they’re picked up, and they definitely let you know that they appreciate your help,” she added.
“The people we pick up are unbelievably grateful. I’ve picked up people in Old Town … and they’re walking to campus in the cold and rain,” said Luke Cyr, membership vice president of Alpha Delta.
“It makes it kind of rewarding for us too,” said Matt Shannon, another brother of Alpha Delta. “That’s what most of the riders are, at least later at night, are people that are walking.”
The brothers and sisters team up for the night. One drives and one rides along to keep order and track how many passengers they pick up. Although the service is completely anonymous, the Greeks keep a count of riders to report to Student Affairs. Drivers volunteer throughout the semester, but some like driving more than others.
The Late Night Local was established in the early ’80s with a paid driver position, but the program was cut due to budget issues. In 1988, the project was reinstated with support from brothers of the fraternity and Robert Dana, who at the time was working in Substance Abuse Services. After over 20 years and a promotion to Dean of Students, Dana still supports the program.
In the fall of 1989, the sisters of Gamma Sigma Sigma were asked to join the project in order to make women feel more comfortable.
The rules of the ride are simple enough – behave yourself and the drivers will take you where you need to go in Orono or Old Town. However, there is no smoking or alcohol allowed in the van and even if passengers are grateful for the ride, the drivers don’t accept tips.
Drivers say they have very few incidents where passengers are unruly, but they have the right to call campus police or kick people out if things get out of control.
“It’s more of a community service thing, not like trying to get someone in trouble,” Shannon said.
The problem the service faces more often is someone getting sick in the van.
“At that point we have to close everything down for the night and get the van cleaned. It’s usually a very long process,” West said.
Above all, drivers usually find passengers grateful for the help.
“My first night on the Local, one rider was so grateful for my help, he decided to give me a back massage. People have also pet my hair, which was really awkward. I’ve been serenaded and taught songs, and have witnessed some pretty intense dance parties,” West said.
“Last semester, one guy gave a potato to us because he wanted to give something in return for helping him. Where he got said potato, who knows? In general, people are so happy to see the Local that you get a good story, no matter what,” she added.
Cyr and Shannon have similar good-natured stories.
“We have a lot of sing-alongs,” Cyr said.
Although the trips are often light-hearted, the Late Night Local drivers take their job seriously. Cyr explained that one brother picked up a student at Burger King in Orono who was visibly intoxicated and wanted to drive home.
“He picked him up and told him he had to get in the van or he was calling the cops. He got him in the van and took him back home and left his car there,” Cyr said.
Cyr believes the Late Night Local cuts down on drunk driving and OUI arrests. In 2008, there were 31 OUI incidents in Orono alone. These were not all college students, but Cyr thinks the service helps keep the number down.
Although the Late Night Local can’t pick up everyone, Cyr estimated they pick up around 200 passengers a weekend. He said they pick up anywhere between 75 and 120 students a night.
“Some ride from one end of campus to the other and some from College Avenue to The Dime in Old Town,” Cyr said.
“We’re proactive about finding people,” Shannon said. “We’ll actually stop them and said, ‘Hey, do you need a ride?’”
“We get a lot of strange looks from some of the freshmen that don’t know,” Cyr said. “They think it costs money or don’t know what it is.”
However, if the van doesn’t spot walkers, Cyr and Shannon welcome people to flag them down. You’re guaranteed a ride if they’re not at capacity.
Bangor Daily News