On-Demand Evening Shuttle

Updates for the Academic Year

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Hours of Operation

The Evening Shuttle operates seven days a week every evening until 3:00 a.m. the following morning, including University holidays. Service begins at different times depending on the month. View this calendar for details.

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Coverage Area

Service covers the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses. View the pre-determined Coverage Area Map to find out where you can ride for free using the Evening Shuttle service.

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Shuttle Accessibility

Via provides wheelchair accessible vehicles upon request. Make sure to mark your profile within the app accordingly if you require a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

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Who is Eligible?

Students, faculty, and staff with an active UNI and Columbia ID on the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses are eligible. All riders must present their Columbia ID to the driver before entering the vehicle.

How it Works

Columbia Transportation has partnered with Public Safety and Via to provide on-demand transportation service as an alternative to walking alone at night. Using the Evening Shuttle app is the easiest and most effective way to get a ride, but if you cannot use the app, you can also call for a ride. Please follow the instructions below.

    Download the Evening Shuttle app from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play Store:

     

    app store view of Evening Shuttle app

    After logging in with your Columbia UNI and password, you must create an account using your name, Columbia University email, and phone number. Your name in the app must match your Columbia ID card.

     

    1. Pick-Up location: Choose your pick-up location and tap "confirm my location." Your pick-up location must be within the coverage area to qualify for a free Evening Shuttle ride.
    2. Drop-Off location: Choose your drop-off location and tap "set my destination." Your pick-up location must be within the coverage area to qualify for a free Evening Shuttle ride.
    3. Confirm your trip: Based on trip details, you may be presented with both Evening Shuttle ETAs and other Columbia University shuttle bus routes.
    4. Accept* proposal: Select the free Columbia University Evening Shuttle proposal and tap "book this ride."
    5. Connect with the driver: If you have any issues finding your vehicle, you can call the driver directly from the app. The driver may also reach out directly to you to coordinate. In any case, your phone number will not be visible to the driver.
    6. When the car arrives, verify the vehicle model, plate number, and driver photo.
    7. Show your Columbia ID to the driver before boarding the vehicle. This is to ensure the safety of both the driver and the other passenger(s) in the car. If you do not have your Columbia ID when boarding, the driver will ask you to present another form of ID.

    *NOTE: Ride options will only appear in the app during operating hours and for rides within the coverage area.

    Requesting a Ride Without a Smartphone

    Using the Evening Shuttle app is the fastest way to get a ride. However, if you don't have a smartphone, you can call Via at 646-692-0576. A dispatcher will respond as quickly as possible, but due to call volume, it may take a few minutes to receive a response. The dispatcher will ask you for your location and destination. The dispatcher will give you an estimated time of arrival, vehicle information, license plate number, and driver information.

    Need help or have questions?

    Your reports and personal information that you share with Via may also be disclosed to Columbia University, including to assist in reviewing safety-related incidents.

    Regulations & Policies

    The Evening Shuttle will only perform pick-ups and drop-offs within the coverage area. There are also regulations and etiquette that pertain to riding the Evening Shuttle. Riders agree to these policies when they request a ride. The University and its partner Via can deny a ride to anyone who does not honor these policies.

    Coverage Area

    Terms of Use

    Rider Etiquette