RideSmart by Via

RideSmart by Via is the University of Chicago’s exclusive on-demand rideshare program. Starting September 1, 2024, book free rides on and around UChicago’s campus from 5 p.m. until 4 a.m., seven days a week. 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.

Program Details

  • Available to actively enrolled UChicago students only.

  • Free evening & late-night rides.

  • Seven days a week; 5 P.M. - 4 A.M.

  • Rides must start and end in the campus service area (see below)

  • RideSmart is an on-demand service.

    • On campus, RideSmart picks up/drops off at designated locations at academic, residential, dining, and student activity buildings.
    • Off campus, RideSmart picks up/drops off anywhere within the service area.  

  • Students are allowed to request a ride for themselves plus one guest. The expectation is that except in rare cases when someone is unable to use the Via app, each student will make their own reservation.

  • To maximize efficiency, RideSmart may pick up and drop off other UChicago students along your ride.

  • When you hail a ride within the app, you can see the real-time vehicle location and the driver’s expected arrival.

  • The wait time for a van to arrive 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.

  • The RideSmart app will also display other University of Chicago transportation options for your route.

Service Area

    Your RideSmart trip must begin and end within the service area shown on the map below:

How to Sign Up

  1. Create an account. Download the RideSmart by Via app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign up with your UChicago email address. The RideSmart app will confirm your eligibility through SSO verification.
    An animated gif showing you how to use the Ride Smart Via app
    Desktop: Download the app. Scan to download the RideSmart by Via app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
    Mobile: Download the RideSmart by Via app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

  2. Book Your Ride. Enter your pickup and drop-off address. You can also enter a building/business name or drop a pin. Choose the ride that works for you by tapping Book ride.
    An animated gif show you how to use the Via Ride Smart App
    * Tap the accessibility icon in your profile to request a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

  3. Meet your Driver. Check the app to see your designated pickup point. Pickup points on campus are routed to the nearest university building, which helps cut down on detours and makes your journey faster!
    An animated gif showing you how to use the Ride Smart with Via app

Safety & Security

RideSmart strives to deliver safe, comfortable rides for all UChicago students.

  • All vans are co-branded with the RideSmart by Via and UChicago logos:

    An illustrated example of a UChicago Via van

  • RideSmart is only available to active, enrolled UChicago students, confirmed through in-app SSO verification.

  • No unscheduled guests are allowed in a RideSmart vehicle. Each student who wants to ride must book a seat individually through the RideSmart app.

  • Drivers are vetted and trained. Drivers will confirm each scheduled rider's name before allowing them to board.

  • Please review RideSmart's code of conduct and community guidelines.

  • All vans are equipped with cameras for safety.

Questions

If you have any other questions, please contact bus@uchicago.edu.

More Information

City Contact Information

  • Business Affairs and Consumer Protection

    • Phone: 312.744.6060
    • TTY: 312.744.1944
    • Fax: 312.744.0246
    • 121 N. LaSalle Street, 8th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602

  • 311 City Services

    • Phone: 312.744.5000
    • 121 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60602