Texas Tech Sophomore Gives Free Rides to Fellow Students on Campus

Leslie Adami

8 years ago

Texas Tech University sophomore, Benny Paul, knows how difficult it can sometimes be to get across campus, especially if you’re in a hurry. That’s why he’s helping his fellow students out, by giving them free rides aboard his pedicab to their classes or dorms, free of charge.

The Texas Tech student heads out for about two to three hours a day, four to six days out of the week, riding around campus between his classes asking walkers if they might need a ride, or keeping an eye out for anyone who might wave him down.

Paul says he’s happy to help his fellow students out, especially if they’re trying to rush to an exam or quiz, but being a college student himself, he too realizes the value of a dollar. On Tech game days and various events such a farmer’s markets or First Friday Art Trails, he has a recommended rate of $20/hr.

“Really, you can pay whatever you want and it’s kind of a fun economic experiment to see what hard work is worth and by and large Texans believe hard work is worth plenty,” said Paul. ” “I can recommend a rate of $20 an hour, but what they pay me is completely up to them it depends on the service that they believe they received.”

While Paul says he’d prefer students not tip him, when they do, the money goes to the Texas Tech Survivalist Club.

Students on campus say they appreciate the free rides:

“As a college student you don’t have a ton of money and being able to get around without having to buy your own bike is a good thing for the students,” said Travis Buck, a TTU mechanical engineering student.

“It’s pretty convenient to hop on and get to another class, and free’s awesome you can’t complain when something’s free!” said Ted Farnahm, a chemical engineering sophomore.

“I think it’s really awesome like nobody does really genuine things like that especially now since we really need the ride so thanks for being here right now,” shared Sara Zapata.

Paul, who is originally from Buffalo, New York and has traveled to various places thanks to his time in the army, says he’s found Lubbock to be a great place to a grow a small business, and hopes more people can come to realize it too.

“I’ve lived in huge metropolitan areas and cities and I’ve lived in tiny towns and this is the absolute “Goldilocks” perfect fit,” said Paul. “I really want to encourage people with the brain drain that when they get their degree here, at Texas Tech maybe look into doing something local, maybe getting your startup happening here.”