Via to provide on-demand safe-ride program on Northwestern campus

The partnership comes after student feedback about the universities existing Safe Ride program, and previous ridership data from the last two years. As a result, students will see a 38% increase in the total number of hours that drivers are available.

Safe Ride is a public mobility solution that provides free rides for all students, with intent to increase campus safety by making it easy to request rides on-demand. The program will operate seven days a week from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. during the fall, winter, and spring quarters. With the partnership, more drivers and vehicles will be available, resulting in shorter wait times.

Safe Ride drivers will be paid an hourly rate instead of per ride. Drivers will be selected with preference given to those with the highest ratings, positive customer feedback and the best driving records.

Riders can download the Via app (IOS and Android) to hail a vehicle directly from their smartphone. The app will then enable riders to share a vehicle and direct passengers to a pick-up point.

Northwestern marks the third campus that will use Via’s mobility operations. Via currently operates on-demand student shuttles at both Harvard University and Northeastern University.