‘We’re doing it better than Iowa’: New partnership between UNL, Uber soaring for students

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Instead of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln students having to walk from one place to another, they can now hop in the back seat of an Uber for free.

The student government at Nebraska partnered with Uber and officially launched the program last week.

The student body received $100,000 from the athletic department, funds that come directly from alcohol sold at stadiums last year.

“We thought, how can we promote safety and education and reduce alcohol consumption in the student body?” said Libby Wilkins, the student body president. “Truly, they wanted to put their money where their mouth is, and said, ‘Here you go, students.'”

Wilkins says the idea has been in the works since last spring and was inspired by other Big Ten universities with similar programs, such as Oregon and Iowa.

“Of course, we’re doing it better because we’re Nebraska. We’re doing it better than Iowa.”

And, it’s become really popular.

In the first five days of the launch, 2,976 vouchers were claimed, representing 13.5% of the student population. As of Feb 1, 1,399 rides have been used.

A lot of people live off campus, or don’t live close enough where it’s a far walk,” says one student. “I enjoyed my first time using it, and I’ll definitely use it again.”

The vouchers can only be used after dark, from 9 p.m to 3 a.m. They can also only be used within a three-mile radius of the campus.

Wilkins says she’s grateful to see this program finally being built from the ground up and believes it could create more opportunities in the future.

“This has really been such a gift to pilot that and just see what our usage rate is, and gives us a strong case for continuing something like this in the future.”

Uber rides are only $10. If the ride costs more than that, the student must pay the difference. Each student has been given vouchers to use until May 10.