CWU Public Safety Programs Recognized

ELLENSBURG, Wash. Even though it has only been in operation for eight weeks, "Central Transit" is already receiving accolades. The new Central Washington University bus service has been honored by the CWU chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH), which is the recognition arm of the National Association of College and University Residence Halls.

NRHH local chapter President Joey Bryant presented CWU police Chief Steve Rittereiser with the organization's October 'Program of the Month' award for Central Transit and the university's Courtesy Assistance Team (CAT).

Central Transit was singled out for its success as a new transit service connecting the Ellensburg campus to the local business community.

CAT, a student-operated safety patrol, was recognized for contributions to student safety. CAT volunteers ensure that campus buildings are properly secured, provide directions to visitors, serve as social attendants at large campus events and offer escort services to various campus functions.

Rittereiser says both new programs are part of the CWU public safety and police service's community policing initiatives, created through student input and in partnership with the university's student government.

Central Transit is available only to university students, who pay $3 quarterly fees to support the program. A Central Connection card is needed to board the bus.

Central Transit operates Sundays through Thursdays from 2 p.m. to midnight and until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 different stops. With two buses on the routes, wait times are typically less than 15 minutes, according to Rittereiser.

Contact: Steve Rittereiser (509-963-2959/fax 509-963-2994/e-mail: chiefr@cwu.edu)

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