Dundee University students will soon be able to hail a taxi home even if every penny in their pockets has been spent on a night out.
The Safe Taxi Scheme will let them charge the cost to the Dundee University Students Association (Dusa) and then reimburse it the following day.
It is aimed at guaranteeing students can get home safely after enjoying the city’s nightlife and has been introduced thanks to a link-up with the city’s Tele Taxis.
Students from Dundee University will be eligible to use the project, which has already been successfully rolled out at universities including Sheffield, Manchester and Southampton.
It works by doing away with the need for students to hand over cash or a debit card and instead enables them to “pay” with a valid matriculation card.
Tele Taxis’ drivers will simply take a note of the matriculation number, with the details passed to Dusa.
Dusa president Tim Hustler believes the scheme will be of huge benefit to students at the university.
“The Safe Taxi Scheme has been successful in a number of other cities and I am delighted to be able to make it a reality in Dundee,” he said.
“It will give both students and drivers peace of mind. This plays into Dusa’s role in duty of care, making sure our members are getting home safe.
“Dundee is a great city and Dusa contributes heavily to the nightlife.
“From time to time, students do get caught out, however, leaving themselves vulnerable as they walk home on their own.
“By working with the university and Tele Taxis, we hope the Safe Taxi Scheme offers a safer and easy-to-use alternative.”