It's 2:55 a.m., and Samantha Miller has almost finished her 10th straight hour driving a Penn Transit shuttle van. Miller, a senior at Drexel University, eases the bulky Ford through quiet Philadelphia streets and sinks into her seat, anticipating the end of her marathon shift. Then a call from her dispatcher arrives.
A student at the Wawa on 20th and Locust streets -- 15 minutes away -- needs a ride back to campus.
"I'm on my way. Over and out," Miller says into her walkie-talkie. She swings the van onto Spruce Street and heads for Center City.
A fashion design major, Miller is one of 45 part-time shuttle drivers, many of whom are also students.
Penn Transit employs these drivers to operate shuttles, which provide free transportation to and from campus-transit stops, West Philadelphia, Center City and Powelton Village north of campus.
Miller drives a Penn Transit East Route Shuttle, which covers the area between campus and Center City.
Like other Drexel and Temple University students, she found out about the job through flyers that were posted around her campus, and she has been a driver in the fleet for two years.
The job has provided Miller with good pay, flexible hours and more.
"I can work when I want," she said. "I had exams last week, so I'm driving this weekend. And I think driving is fun."
Drivers work five-hour shifts between 5 p.m. and 3 a.m. and receive $8 an hour to start, Penn Business Services spokeswoman Rhea Lewis said.
But it's not uncommon for drivers to take 10-hour shifts, Miller said, adding that most get used to the "grind."
Before starting her route, Miller's driving record was reviewed by Penn Transit. She then attended an intensive hands-on training program with a instructor, she said.
Yet sometimes all this preparation isn't enough for the streets of Philadelphia.
"I think every driver has been in at least one accident," Miller said. "But it's no big deal."
The University fully insures the shuttle services.
Matt Pissale, a fifth-year Drexel biomedicine student, also drives an East Route Shuttle and says he enjoys it for some of the same reasons as Miller.
Pissale, who has been driving for two-and-a-half years, said that he likes the flexible hours.
Miller and Pissale's services are appreciated by many shuttle riders.
"They're always on time," College sophomore Patrick Furlong said. "They're brave for driving a big car in West Philly."
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