Ridesharing can be a safe and easy way to get around campus and Tuscaloosa, but it can get a little pricey with frequent use and peak hour surges.
But now, thanks to a new program from The University of Alabama and Lyft, students, faculty and staff will be cut a break.
Lyft will provide a 15 percent discount to all students, faculty and staff who use the transportation business within a 2-mile radius of the bus hub starting Monday.
In addition to the 15 percent discount, which will apply to rides 24 hours a day, seven days a week, another 10 percent discount will be provided for UA students, faculty and staff on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. for a total discount of 25 percent due to additional funding UA is providing for the project.
The University’s contract with Lyft was initiated by Student Government Association President Price McGiffert in an effort to provide the University community with a convenient mode of transportation while traveling off campus and outside of the transportation department’s Crimson Ride and 348-RIDE service area.
“I am excited to partner with Lyft to offer The University of Alabama an affordable way to get around,” said Price McGiffert, president of the UA Student Government Association. “We’ve had the whole team of UA leaders getting involved. Our partnership with Lyft is going to make a big difference with our students and create another easy way to access transportation.”
“We want to provide University of Alabama students with transportation options that will suit all their needs, and Lyft is another tool in that toolbox,” said Chris D’Esposito, UA’s director of Transportation Services. “It’s a seamless way for our students to access the downtown and surrounding communities while complementing our existing transportation options.”
“Lyft is proud to partner with The University of Alabama to offer students, faculty and staff access to convenient and affordable transportation. Whether students need a ride to class early in the morning or a reliable ride home late at night, Lyft ensures students can get around campus with ease at any time, day or night.” said Jake Darby, general manager for Lyft.
McGiffert, a Tuscaloosa native and 22-year-old senior majoring in civil engineering, said he’s been attempting to form a partnership between the University and a ridesharing company for about a year and a half.
Following McGiffert’s meetings with UA administrators, UA solicited bids, and Lyft was awarded the contract.
Though the program officially launches Monday, Oct. 22, the additional 10 percent discount on weekends will not be available on the last three home football game Saturdays – Nov. 10, 17 and 24 – due to road closures and heavy traffic, McGiffert said. The static 15 percent discount, however, will still apply on those dates.
How it works:
- Download the Lyft app and enter code UASGA into the “Promos” tab to unlock 15 percent off all rides.
- You will receive an email invitation from Lyft to join the Ride Smart program with a link to verify your mobile number.
- Once your number is verified, you will unlock credits toward 25 percent off rides between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, with the noted exception of home football Saturdays.
- To confirm program enrollment and see the coverage area, check for both the UASGA and Alabama Ride Smart coupons in the “Promos” tab of your app.