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Safe Ride App

Safe Ride is a service provided by Via transportation company to Northwestern students as a safe and free alternative to walking alone after dark. The service is offered for enhanced student safety and is not intended to be used as a taxi service.

Request a Ride 

  1. Login: Select Login and input your Northwestern NetID and password.
  2. Enter Personal Details: Enter your phone number to receive ride updates and to communicate with your assigned driver. 
  3. Request: Choose and origin and destination to book your ride.

Safe Ride Hours

Safe Ride is available from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., seven days a week during the academic year when classes are in session. Safe Ride reserves the right to reduce or suspend operations during inclement weather or during other circumstances that may place drivers and/or passengers at risk.

Coverage Area

Safe Ride provides service to Northwestern's Evanston campus and the surrounding area. Our drivers will not perform pickups or drop-offs outside of our coverage area.coverage-area.jpg Safe Ride's boundaries (indicated in the blue outlined area) are:

If you request a ride outside of these boundaries or either your pickup or drop-off does not include a campus building (indicated in the purple image below), you will not receive an NU Safe Ride proposal in the Via app. Please adjust your request to match the Safe Ride requirements in order to receive a proposal.

Other Transportation Options

Due to Safe Ride regulations or our hours of operation, there may be some situations that you need to find alternative transportation. Consider Northwestern's free shuttle service as an alternative or supplement to Safe Ride. Other public transit options include CTA "L" trains, Pace buses and Metra commuter trains. Several taxi companies also provide service in Evanston.

Visit Northwestern's Transportation Website

Any student requiring emergency medical transport for a serious medical condition should call 911 immediately to be transported by ambulance. It is not appropriate to take the Northwestern Shuttle system or Safe Ride in serious or urgent medical situations. 

Give to Safe Ride

Please consider making a financial donation to Safe Ride. Your gift will truly make a big difference in the lives and safety of our students during their time here at Northwestern University. Your donation to Safe Ride helps us continue to provide safe transportation throughout campus and Evanston at night.

No matter how large or small, your contribution is a pledge to support Safe Ride’s commitment to student safety. On behalf of the students we serve, thanks in advance for your generosity!

DONATE TO SAFE RIDE