Transportation Options for Students

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

Dear Students,

We want to inform you of the many transportation options available to UChicago students for the 2024-2025 academic year. Ensuring students have access to safe and reliable transportation is a key priority at UChicago.

The following services provide options for students to move about and explore campus, Hyde Park, and the city of Chicago.

  • RideSmart by Via
    • What is it? RideSmart by Via is the University of Chicago's exclusive on-demand rideshare program that offers free rides on and around UChicago's campus from 5 p.m. until 4 a.m., seven days a week.
    • How to sign up? To begin riding download the RideSmart by Via app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and create an account using your UChicago email address. The RideSmart app will verify your eligibility through the UChicago login process. You can also watch this video that will walk you through the process.
    • Where does it operate? All rides must start and end in the campus service area.
      • On campus, RideSmart will pick up/drop off students at designated locations at academic, residential, dining and student activity buildings.
      • Off campus, RideSmart will pick up/drop off students anywhere within the service area.
    • How does it work? You can book a ride within the app for yourself and up to three other UChicago students. Additional student riders must be accounted for in the ‘Extra Passengers’ section by the student who is booking the ride. When you book, you can see the real-time vehicle location and the driver’s expected arrival time. The wait time for a van should not exceed 15 minutes after you book your ride; if it does, an option for a free Lyft ride to your destination will appear in the RideSmart by Via app. To maximize efficiency, RideSmart may pick up and drop off other UChicago students along your ride.
  • UGo Shuttles
    • What is it? The UGo Shuttle Program is a free shuttle service on and around the greater campus area.
    • When and where does it operate? Shuttles run year-round, except on University-observed holidays. The route map for all UGo Shuttles is available on the Department of Safety & Security’s (DSS) website.
    • How does it work? Daytime shuttles stop at designated stops along the route. For nighttime shuttles, you can flag the driver anywhere along the route and they will stop to pick up and drop off.
    • Who can ride it? Shuttles are free to all members of the University community by tapping your ID card.
    • Why ride it? We encourage students to use UGo shuttles when circumstances allow. Shuttles offer extensive coverage of nearby neighborhoods and provide a sustainable option in terms of environmental impact and cost.
  • Downtown Campus Connector
    • What is it? The Downtown Campus Connector provides free transportation for students and other members of the University community traveling between the Hyde Park campus, the Gleacher Center, UChicago Medicine clinics, the Roosevelt CTA station, and other downtown Chicago locations including stops close to Oglivie and Union stations.
    • What's new this year? A new campus stop at 55th and University will be added to accommodate the north side of the Hyde Park Campus.
    • When does it run? Service is Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., excluding holidays, with 25 minutes expected between arrivals.
  • Passio GO!: Passio GO! is the GPS system used for the real-time tracking of UGo Shuttles and CTA routes that service the Hyde Park Campus area. You can download the Passio GO! app through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. UGo Shuttle information is also available on Passio GO!’s website.
  • Public Transportation Options: Metra provides commuter rail service throughout the Chicago metro area. The Metra Electric District Line runs through Hyde Park and can be accessed at several train stations. This academic year, students can register at my.UChicago.edu for a free Day Pass 5 Pack that can be used on any Metra line. The CTA 171 and CTA 172 buses also service Hyde Park and are free to anyone with a University ID.
  • Free After-Hours Parking: All students, faculty, and staff can access free parking at both the Kimbark South and Campus North parking garages from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. by tapping your UChicago ID to enter and exit.

For more information on transportation resources including public transportation, biking, parking, and more, please see this video or visit the DSS Transportation page. If you have questions about your transportation options, please email bus@uchicago.edu.

We wish you safe travels and a productive academic year.

Sincerely,

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

Mike Hayes, Interim Dean of Students in the University

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