Transportation & Parking

The University provides Dial-A-Ride, a complimentary curb-to-curb transportation service for students with either long or short-term limited mobility. The service provides rides to and from regularly scheduled classes, to and from medical appointments at the University of Chicago Medicine complex, meals, or other University-related activities. Any student with limited mobility who requires transportation should fill out the Dial-A-Ride Transportation Request Form (PDF). Service must then be arranged with Transportation & Parking Services at least 48 hours prior to an individual’s transport needs. To arrange for this service, contact 773.795.6108 or bus@uchicago.edu. Requests are honored on a first come, first served basis. The service area covered is from 48th Street in the north to 64th Street in the south and from Cottage Grove Avenue in the west to DuSable Lake Shore Drive in the east.

Additionally, all campus bus and shuttle transportation is ADA accessible.

All bus transportation at the University of Chicago is accessible to individuals with disabilities, including the UGo Shuttles and the Chicago Transit Authority 171, 172, and 192 bus routes. Lifts and ramps on all buses are available for use upon request by anyone who has trouble with steps, even temporarily. The UGo NightRide shuttles also provide accessible transportation. Get more information on Safety & Security’s Transportation page or the Transportation for Injured or Disabled Students page.

The CTA provides fully accessible services on most of its bus routes and rail (“L”) services, and provides door-to-door paratransit services to those who qualify. The CTA Trip Planner allows you to select accessible/step-free routes and the phone app version lets you select or deselect stations that have solid stairs, escalators, or elevators. You may wish to check routes for accessibility alerts before departing.

All train lines in the Metra system are fully accessible, but some stations may not be accessible or fully accessible. Service spans all six counties in metropolitan Chicago.

PACE provides fully accessible transit services within the six county metropolitan Chicago area, and door-to-door paratransit services for those who qualify.

Lyft Ride Smart at UChicago

Lyft Ride Smart at UChicago offers students 10 free rides per month (up to $15 off per ride) on all evening and late-night rides within the service area from 5 p.m. until 4 a.m., seven days a week. This program launched on September 29, 2021 and is available to all students.

Lyft Access Mode for Wheelchair Users

To support the transportation needs of people who use fixed-frame (non-foldable/non-collapsible) wheelchairs, Lyft provides dedicated WAV service directly through the Lyft app in the Chicagoland area.

How to use Lyft Access Mode

1. Download the Lyft app and set up your account
2. Enable Access Mode
   1. Tap the Menu icon in the top left corner of the app
   2. Scroll down and tap Settings
   3. Find Wheelchair access in the Menu
   4. Slide the toggle to the right to enable Access Mode
      so it turns green, indicating enabled
3. Request your ride
   1. Enter in your destination, then swipe left to see additional
      modes
   2. Tap More then tap Access to select
      Wheelchair Mode
   3. Tap “Request Access,” confirm your pickup location,
      and you’re all set!