The Euclid Shuttle will make its debut Thursday night as an ambitious Student Association proposal that came to fruition in time for students to cap syllabus week with a night on the town.

The free service, funded by Chancellor Kent Syverud’s Invest Syracuse initiative, was initially proposed by Syracuse University SA President James Franco and Vice President Angie Pati as part of their campaign last spring. The shuttle will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights between 10:30 p.m. and 3:25 a.m. In the initial unveiling of the plan, Franco said the shuttle service would increase student safety when traveling to off-campus neighborhoods.

Considering Invest Syracuse is centered around improving the student experience on campus, the shuttle service is an appropriate use of university funding to promote student safety as its main priority. And though SU’s Department of Public Safety provides ride escort services, it’s important the administration continually takes strides to protect all students, not just those living on Main Campus.

For now, the bus will provide students living in Sadler Hall, Lawrinson Hall and the Brewster/Boland/Brockway Complex free transportation to various off-campus locations, including Lancaster Avenue, Stratford Street and Westcott Street. The shuttle’s route ensures students can travel safely to off-campus areas without having to pay hefty prices for ride-hailing services.

For the shuttle to best aid students moving ahead, it should prove itself as a reliable resource with the potential to expand its route and daytime availabilities, so students can utilize it after extracurricular events and late-night study sessions — not just for socializing.

After all, students shouldn’t have to pay a price for their safety.

The Daily Orange Editorial Board serves as the voice of the organization and aims to contribute the perspectives of students to discussions that concern Syracuse University and the greater Syracuse community. The editorial board’s stances are determined by a majority of its members. You can read more about the editorial board here.