Spring Quarter Safety Message

MARCH 20, 2024 

Dear Members of the University Community:

I want to share information about a new online tracking system for our UGo shuttle system and remind you about important safety resources.

Passio GO! Replacing TransLoc for UGo Shuttle Tracking

As part of our efforts to continually enhance the UGo shuttle system and respond to your feedback, we are migrating to a new GPS system, Passio GO!, for real-time tracking of UGo shuttles. 

Effective immediately, you can use the Passio GO! mobile app or website to see route maps, schedules, and estimated arrival times. The Passio GO! app also provides alerts, such as reroutes or delays, via banner scrolls or push notifications, and the ability to select the specific route you want to see.

We expect the Passio GO! system to be easier to use and more reliable. You can download the Passio GO! app through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Shuttle information is also available on Passio GO!'s website. 

TransLoc will continue to be available through August 1, after which Passio GO! will become the sole technology provider for UGo shuttles.

Over the next few months, we encourage you to use Passio GO! and send feedback to bus@uchicago.edu. Your feedback was a major impetus for this change and will be valuable as we transition to the new system. 

Safety Information and Resource Reminders

  • Stay Informed: Visit the Department of Safety & Security's (DSS) website to sign up for timely Crime Notices and the Daily Crime Bulletin, both of which provide information about certain off-campus crimes. Separately, Security Alerts are required by the Clery Act and provide notification about significant on-campus crimes. Security Alerts are automatically emailed to members of the University community; others can also sign up to receive them. 
  • Safety Tips: Visit the University's safety webpage for tips on staying safe in the city, around campus, where you live, and while using transportation.
  • Safety Escort Program: : Members of the University community who are concerned about their safety for any reason as they walk within the University of Chicago Police Department's (UCPD) patrol area can call 773.702.8181 to request a safety escort. You can also request a safety escort through the UChicago Safe mobile app.
  • UGo Shuttles: UGo Shuttles run day and night on and around campus, in Hyde Park, and between the Hyde Park campus and downtown Chicago. Shuttles are free to all members of the University community by tapping your ID card. Route maps are available on the DSS website, and real-time shuttle location information is on Passio GO!.
  • Metra passes for students: Students who haven't signed up for free Metra passes already this year can claim a free Day Pass 5 Pack by signup for a Ventra account and claiming a pass on my.uchicago.edu. All passes expire after 90 days. 
  • Lyft Ride Smart: UChicago students are eligible for seven free Lyft rides per month (up to $10 per ride) from 5 p.m. until 4 a.m. seven days a week. We are assessing ways to refine point-to-point transportation options and better integrate them within our other transportation services. Any changes to the Lyft program will be communicated before the start of the Autumn Quarter.
  • Emergency Preparedness: This 7-minute video will help you understand what to do in the event of an emergency on campus. It explains some of the alerts an instructions you may receive, and what actions you can take to enhance your safety.
    • In an emergency, the University's cAlert system provides rapid emergency notifications and instruction, via text message and email. Please visit the cAlert website to make sure your contact information and any preferred devices are up to date. 

If you haven't done so already, I encourage you to download the UChicago Safe mobile app, where you can find many of the resources outlined above. I also recommend that you follow UChicago Safe on Instagram, Facebook, and X for helpful and timely safety-related information.

Please contact our team if you have any questions or concerns about campus safety. I wish you a safe and productive quarter.

Sincerely,

Eric M. Heath, Associate Vice President for Safety & Security

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