SafeRider
SafeRider provides safe transportation during the evening and early
morning hours when special, nonemergency needs arise for Pitt or Chatham students,
faculty, and staff.
SafeRider is not available to UPMC employees.
Call 412-648-CALL (2255) for your safe ride.
Using SafeRider
Call SafeRider for after dark travel:
- Within the SafeRider travel boundaries
- Between campus buildings, from local residences to campus buildings, and from campus to local residences
- When you’re not along an established bus or shuttle route, or
- Downtown at the Greyhound bus station, on Sundays, and on days when the University of Pittsburgh shuttle system operates on a holiday schedule
Each rider is permitted one round trip per night, and a maximum of 20 trips per semester.
SafeRider is not for:
- Travel on an established bus or shuttle route
- Meal runs or shopping trips
- Pick up from establishments that serve alcoholic beverages
- Travel to or from the South Side Sports Complex and the McGowan Center on the South Side
- Emergency calls. Contact the University of Pittsburgh Police Department by calling 811 from a campus phone or 412-624-2121 from an off-campus phone.
SafeRider Hours
Fall/Spring Hours
Sunday–Wednesday 7 p.m.–3 a.m.
Thursday–Saturday 7 p.m.–5 a.m.
Summer Hours
Sunday–Saturday 9 p.m.–3 a.m.
Holiday Hours
On days when the University shuttle system operates on a holiday schedule, SafeRider's hours are 7 p.m. - 3 a.m.
No service is provided during Thanksgiving Break, Spring Break, and
Winter Recess.
When you call SafeRider (412-648-2255), the dispatcher will ask for
your:
- Name
- Panther Card number (2P00000000) or Chatham ID number
- Pick-up location
- Destination
- Number of guests (maximum two non-University persons)
- Telephone number at the pick-up location
Amount of Use
SafeRider has a 20-trip maximum.
This helps ensure that all persons who need SafeRider are able to access the service and that response time is reasonable.
SafeRider is for use in special cases, on routes where no buses or shuttles are running. It is very unlikely that a person who is using SafeRider in the manner that it is intended will need the service more than 20 times in one semester.
Wait Times
Wait times can vary. The dispatcher will give you an approximate pickup time when you place your call.
Then, the dispatcher calls you back when SafeRider is approaching the pick-up location. It is your responsibility to wait for the dispatcher to call back. If the dispatcher receives no answer, a busy signal, or an answering machine message, SafeRider will still be sent to your location.
SafeRider will wait a maximum of five minutes. If you fail to arrive, SafeRider will proceed to the next pickup location and you will be considered a “no show.”
If you call back, you will be placed at the bottom of the waiting list. Combining of pickups is arranged when possible, to expedite service response.
If you call from the Schenley Quad or Towers, the pick-up/drop-off point is in the William Pitt Union's driveway.
SafeRider does not accept reservations. Service is always on a first call, first serve basis.
Guests
You may have up to two non-University guests, provided that there is space available and they are going to the same location as you. You are responsible for the conduct of your guests.
Valid ID
If you don’t have your Panther Card, or Chatham ID, you must provide another form of photo identification. SafeRider will provide service without a valid ID on a one-time basis, but you will be denied future service until you obtain a valid ID to show the driver.
Note that it is against the Student Code of Conduct and Judicial Procedures to borrow another person’s ID. You may be subject to disciplinary action if you falsify information or use an ID that isn’t yours.
If the Panther Card number you give to the dispatcher comes up as “no customer” when entered into the card reader, you will be asked to repeat your 2P number. If it comes up “no customer” again, you will be allowed to ride on a one-time basis. You will be instructed to go to the ID Center to have your ID checked, and you will be allowed to ride again only when your ID number shows up as valid.
Canceling
What happens if I call SafeRider and then need to cancel?
It is very important that you call to cancel your request before SafeRider arrives at your location.
If you fail to cancel and are not there when SafeRider arrives to pick you up, you are considered a “no show.” If you are a no show three times in one semester, you will be placed on probation. A probation letter will be sent to you from the Department of Parking, Transportation and Services, informing you that your right to use SafeRider will be denied for the remainder of the semester if one additional violation occurs within 30 days of the date on the letter.
A fourth no show within 30 days of the date on the letter will result in your losing SafeRider privileges for the remainder of the semester, and may result in a judicial complaint being filed against you.
Special Needs
SafeRider is accessible to disabled passengers.
A wheelchair-equipped SafeRider vehicle operates from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Thursday through Saturday when classes are in session. Summer hours are 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday through Saturday. To schedule a ride contact Disability Resources & Services between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 412-648-7890.
SafeRider Boundaries
SafeRider boundaries are Baum Boulevard on the north, Carnegie Mellon University on the east, the Center for Biotechnology and Bioengineering on the south, and Trees Hall/Robinson Street on the west. Chatham College is also served.
More Questions?
You can e-mail us with questions about SafeRider or call 412-624-8612. We’re at your service.
