Solent University students' safety taxis scheme scrapped
- Published
The scheme offered free taxis home to students working late
A scheme offering free taxi rides home for students working late at a university campus is to be ended following budget cuts.
The Safe Solent scheme allowed students at Southampton's Solent University to avoid late-night walks through city centre parks.
The students' union said it was being withdrawn following a cut to a grant from the university.
Solent University said its revenue had been hit by the freeze in tuition fees.
The scheme gave students the opportunity to take a taxi to halls of residence or private accommodation whenever the university library was open 24 hours.
A statement on the union's website said it was "unable to meet the costs" of the service after its grant was cut by £25,000.
Pro vice-chancellor of Solent University Jim Irving said student safety remained a "top priority".
He said: "Due to the ongoing freezing of student tuition fees, the annual grant provided by the University to the Students' Union decreased by 5% after discussion with the SU.
"As separate entities, students' unions decide upon how those funds are spent.
"Whilst I am disappointed that the Students' Union has chosen not to continue supporting the Safe Solent initiative, this is ultimately a matter for the Union."
The government announced in January 2023 that fees would be frozen at £9,250 for two years.
The student union said it had no further comment to make.
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