On September 1, the University of Chicago will end its Lyft Ride Smart program for students. In an email to the University community on June 18, Michele Rasmussen, dean of students, and Eric Heath, associate vice president for safety and security, announced that students will instead receive “unlimited free rides in shared vans” through the rideshare platform Via. It is widely thought that the decision has been made in light of persisting concerns over the University’s financial health. Some students have expressed concern about the new program on social media.
With Via, students will be able to request rides through a co-branded UChicago/Via app at pickup and drop-off locations at designated “virtual stops” near campus buildings and at any location within the off-campus service area.
Students Stress Safety Concerns
UChicago administrators launched the widely-used Lyft Ride Smart program, as well as other student safety initiatives, in 2021 after three students were shot and killed near campus in the same year. The program offers students seven free rides per month up to a $10 limit within a designated service area around campus. It is available seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 4 a.m. and there will be no change in service area or operating times with Via.
Highlighting the unlimited usability of the Via program, Rasmussen and Heath remarked that students will have “increased access to nighttime point-to-point transportation.” However, students are concerned by potentially longer wait times, detours, and privacy issues. Social media has been abuzz with students voicing their frustrations over the decision, with many accusing the University of prioritizing cost-cutting over student wellbeing.
The following comments were made on the anonymous forum app Sidechat:
While the University has defended the move as providing more accessible and sustainable transportation options, the backlash from students highlights the value they placed on the Lyft Ride Smart program’s convenience and perceived safety.
When asked about the vocal frustration and skepticism of many students, Gerald McSwiggan, Director for Public Affairs at the University, said, “We will provide additional program details later this summer, before the program begins on September 1.”
Undergraduate Student Government Efforts
UChicago’s Undergraduate Student Government (USG) initially attempted to keep the Lyft program in place. In November last year, USG leaders created a webpage entitled “Protect Our Lyft,” which highlighted the importance of the Lyft program to University students. The page features a question posed to UChicago administrators: “How can you claim that student safety is a top priority given your severe cuts to the Lyft program?”
As detailed in a January 4 Instagram post, USG began shifting from lobbying to keep the Lyft program to collaborating with the administration to ensure Via’s effectiveness. In the post, USG highlighted its intention to “hold the administration accountable to its provisions [and] making sure students will actually be better off under this new system.”
USG also claims that Via will provide free and unlimited rides for students, with wait times of no more than 5 minutes. If the wait times are too long, USG says Via will afford students a complimentary Lyft instead.
Other Options Available to Students
In addition to Via, the University has reminded students of other transportation resources available to them. These include the UGo Shuttles which offer free shuttle rides on and around campus, and to downtown Chicago. The Chicago Transit Authority and Metra public transportation services are also available to students for free with a University-provided Ventra card and Day Pass 5 Packs respectively.
Before September 1, the University now faces the challenge of addressing student concerns and ensuring the new Via program meets their transportation needs and safety expectations. Its response to the backlash will be watched closely by the University community as the issue becomes a flashpoint for broader concerns about student welfare and institutional priorities.