September 24, 2026
As the 2026–27 Autumn Quarter begins, we want to make sure you are familiar with the transportation options and resources available to help you travel around campus, Hyde Park, and Chicago.
RideSmart by Via
- What is it? RideSmart by Via is the University’s on-demand rideshare program, offering you free rides on and around campus from 5 p.m. to 4 a.m., seven days a week.
- How do you sign up? 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 app will verify your eligibility through the UChicago login process. This video walks you through the process.
- Where does it operate? RideSmart operates within a service area, which includes campus and the surrounding areas. All rides must begin and end within the service area.
- On campus, RideSmart will pick you up and drop you off at designated locations near academic, residential, dining, and student activity buildings.
- Off campus, RideSmart will pick you up and drop you off anywhere within the service area.
- How does booking a ride work? You can book a ride in the app for yourself and include one guest. The app shows the vehicle’s real-time location and expected arrival time at your location or designated pickup area. The wait time should not exceed 15 minutes; 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 the way.
- What’s new this year? We have added more vehicles to the fleet to help meet demand.
UGo Shuttle Program
- What is it? The UGo Shuttle Program is UChicago’s free shuttle service, available on and around campus.
- When does it operate? Shuttles run from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. year-round, except on University-observed holidays.
- Where does it operate? Route maps for all UGo shuttles are available on the Department of Safety & Security’s website.
- How does it work? Daytime shuttles stop at designated stops along each route. On nighttime routes, you can flag the driver anywhere along the route, and the shuttle can pick you up or drop you off at any intersection along the route.
- Who can ride it? You can ride UGo shuttles for free with your UChicago ID. Tap your ID card when you board.
Downtown Campus Connector
- What is it? The Downtown Campus Connector provides free weekday shuttle service between the Hyde Park campus and downtown Chicago locations, including the Gleacher Center, UChicago Medicine clinics, the Roosevelt CTA station, and stops near Ogilvie and Union stations.
- When does it run? Service runs Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., excluding University holidays, at 25-minute intervals.
Public Transportation
- Metra provides commuter rail service throughout the Chicago area. The Metra Electric District Line stops in Hyde Park and can be accessed at several stations near campus.
- The CTA 171 and CTA 172 buses also serve Hyde Park, including campus, and you can ride them for free with your UChicago ID.
- Other public transportation options include additional CTA bus routes serving Hyde Park and bike share. Please see this website for more information.
Citymapper
- What is it? Citymapper is an app that helps you find the fastest and easiest ways to get around campus and Chicago.
- How does it work? The app overlays University transit options, such as UGo Shuttles, with public transportation options from the CTA and Metra to show routes that work for your trip. The app provides another way to access real-time transportation information in addition to the PassioGo app.
Free After-Hours Parking
- If you have an active UChicago ID, you can park for free at the Kimbark South and Campus North parking garages if you enter between 5 p.m. and 3 a.m. and exit by 7 a.m. Tap your UChicago ID to enter and exit.
For more information about transportation resources, including public transportation, biking, parking, and more, please see this video or visit the Department of Safety & Security transportation page. If you have questions, please email bus@UChicago.edu.
We wish you safe travels and a productive academic year.
Sincerely,
Eric
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Eric M. Heath, Senior Associate Vice President for Operations
Mike
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Mike Hayes, Dean of Students in the University