UNC introducing free Uber rides for all students
Just use your ‘live’ email
By the end of October, all UNC students will be eligible to receive free Uber rides every Thursday through Saturday between 11pm and 3am.
The Uber rides will be accessible via every “live.unc.edu” account using the normal Uber app. Availability of the free rides will be indicated when the logo on the app turns from black and gray to Carolina blue.
Junior Spencer Goodson, Panhellenic Vice President of Community Outreach, and Jackson Somers, IFC Vice President of Recruitment, are spearheading the project after the drunk driving tragedy that occurred over the summer.
They have been collaborating with Uber Triad since August on the initiative. Goodson sat down with The Tab to explain the logistics of the program.
“We are looking out for your safety as well as the safety of everyone around you,” said Goodson.
She explained the program beginning at the end of October is merely a trial-run, or “Pilot Program,” to work out logistics and feasibility. The purpose of the Pilot Program is to monitor the student body’s response and gauge costliness.
Rides will take students from point A to point B within a three-mile radius of the W. Franklin St. and N. Columbia St. intersection – by TOPO and Spanky’s.
Goodson said: “People shouldn’t be worried about long waits. We will combat the surge in usage with more drivers in the area.”
Funding is overwhelmingly provided by the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils and the Security Council of UNC. Therefore, the Pilot Program is targeted towards the Greek community, but all UNC students are encouraged to utilize it.
Goodson and Somers are partnering with UNC’s student government, including Student Body President Houston Summers, to promote the program. According to Goodson, alumni have been made aware of the project and are interested in contributing donations.
If all goes well, the program will continue next spring. Goodson says: “We want everyone to be able to utilize it, but we also want people to be responsible. The money does not come lightly.”
AKA, please don’t vom in the Ubers.