One of the University of Iowa Student Government’s first initiatives began this week.

President Nic Pottebaum focused on his administration’s’ new SafeRide program — a taxi service available for students of all genders — at Tuesday evening’s meeting. The program, which features a partnership with Yellow Cab of Iowa City, allows students to call a number to receive a free taxi service to their residence or a medical facility on or off campus.

SafeRide will run from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. seven days a week during the fall and spring semesters. However, students will only be able to use the service once a semester, and Pottebaum stressed that the service should only be used for unexpected and emergency situations.

In order to receive the rides, students must have a listed address in the UI phonebook. The UISG says this is to ensure students are taken to their place of residence. Students will be refused a ride if they do not have an updated address.

In order to use the service, students should call the SafeRide number. They will be connected to a dispatcher who will verify that the callers are currently registered students. Once the taxi arrives, students must present a photo ID and sign slips stating that they have not used SafeRide before and that their situation is indeed an unexpected or emergency situation.

Students will be able to “flag” down a SafeRide taxi that they see on the street; however, the SafeRide number must still be called. Students are also able to bring one passenger if they so choose. SafeRide is now active. It will not run during school hiatuses, such as Thanksgiving break.