Cornell launched a pilot program June 8 that offers free, on-campus transportation service for faculty and staff who have disabilities or chronic health conditions through the Red Runner system.

The pilot program, which is similar to that offered to students through CU Lift, will help people participate in business-related activities or take advantage of wellness programming, workshops or other Cornell opportunities that are not accessible to them through existing public transportation options.

Staff and faculty with AP/PO permits through Transportation Services are eligible for the service, as are people who do not have Cornell University issued parking permits and have been approved by Medical Leaves Administration.

“This pilot program allows us to examine how we might make the program possible for all members of the Cornell community to have better access to the university’s services and opportunities,” said Andrea Haenlin-Mott, the university’s Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator. “It is the latest in a number of measures we have undertaken to make this a more accessible campus.”

The pilot program will be offered through Dec. 11. An analysis of the demand and usage patterns will help determine the program’s long-term viability, Haenlin-Mott said.

To request service faculty and staff can contact Red Runner at 607-254-8293 or redrunner@cornell.edu from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. A reservation must be made by noon the day before the ride is needed, but those using the service for the first time are asked to provide more notice so their eligibility can be reviewed.

If you do not already have an AP/PO permit and need to be approved for this pilot project by Medical Leaves Administration, contact Patti Bennett Riddle at pb32@cornell.edu or 607-255-1292.

If you have questions about the program, contact Haenlin-Mott at ah45@cornell.edu or 607-255-5150.