A new way to get around campus has arrived for University of New Mexico students. The Lobo Lift program, which offers rides in golf carts for students around campus, has expanded to offer piggyback rides, available by calling the Lobo Lift hotline.
The program consists of a fleet of over 50 so-called “human vehicles” available from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. After the piggybackers are dispatched and arrive at a user’s location, they simply input their destination and hop on.
“Human vehicles” must complete an extensive training course that includes running a five-minute mile while carrying 6.3572 cinder blocks, holding their breath for 15 minutes in a tank filled with carp and carrying a 0.31 GPA.
“It can be hard to recruit candidates to be members of the team,” Lobo Lift piggyback leader Blake Lotterman said. “You need to find the right mix of strength, speed, social skills — as some people like to chat on their rides — and general robotic nature.”
Student reactions have been mixed on the new program.
“You know, when I first tried it, I felt kinda strange just hopping up on another person’s back,” Dave N. Tablé said. “But I’ve found it actually quite helpful to get around, especially when I don’t feel like walking.”
Some students have had less-than-positive experiences while trying the service.
“My driver tripped while carrying me to class,” Mandle Laye said. “I spilled my coffee everywhere, cracked my phone and even scraped my arm. Yes, I had my backpack full of books and made him run cause I was late to class, but it’s not my fault he tripped.”
Lotterman hopes the program will continue to be used across campus and even expand.
“We’re looking at adding bridal carries, fireman’s carries and just picking people up in a hug and carrying them around,” Lotterman said.
Jaden McKelvey-Francis is the editor-in-chief of the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at editorinchief@dailylobo.com or on X @jadenmckelvey
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