MENU
SEARCHThe new rideshare option for students will operate seven days a week during the fall, winter, and spring quarters.
Riders can download the Via app to hail a vehicle directly from their smartphone.
Photo courtesy of Via.
Via announced a new partnership with Northwestern University to provide an on-demand safe-ride program on the university’s Evanston, Ill. 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.
RELATED: Northeastern U. taps Via for on-demand safety shuttle
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.
The historic initiative represents the first time since MARTA began bus operations in the early 1970s that the entire system has been redrawn from scratch.
Read More →
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including Moovit, CAF, and more.
Read More →
The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.
Read More →
Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.
Read More →
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
Read More →
Funded through the 2025 Investment Plan, the new R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus is expected to begin service in September, more than three months ahead of schedule.
Read More →
Complete Parts features new branding with a new logo, a new contact telephone number, a dedicated order desk, enhanced processes and inventory, all designed to provide the parts bus operations need.
Read More →
Accessible transit isn’t a feature—it’s a responsibility. This whitepaper explores how the Low-Floor Frontrunner is redefining mobility with a breakthrough design that removes barriers, empowers riders, and delivers measurable operational advantages for agencies. Discover why this next generation minibus is setting a new standard for inclusive transportation.
Read More →
SEPTA was awarded $43 million in competitive grant funding from the FTA's FY25 Low and No Emission and Bus and Bus Facilities grant programs to support this procurement.
Read More →
In part 1 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his journey from the U.S. Marines to public transit and the role mentorship plays in developing the next generation of industry leaders.
Read More →
