UNL Late Night Ride Program Expands Options After Busy First Semester

Lincoln, Neb. (KLKN) — After thousands of University of Nebraska-Lincoln students took advantage of discounted late-night Uber rides last spring, the Husker Late Night Ride program is back for its first full school year with some changes and a new way for students to share rides.

The program launched last spring, offering students discounted Uber rides between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.

More than 6,000 students claimed vouchers during the spring semester, accounting for more than 15,000 rides.

“Last year we spent, in one semester, we spent $137,000 on Uber vouchers in the spring of this year,” ASUN Student Body President Kurt Schneider said.

This fall, students will receive three $8 vouchers, down from the five $10 vouchers offered when the program launched.

ASUN has about $140,000 in funding for the program for the school year. Schneider said the new voucher amounts are designed to help stretch that funding across both the fall and spring semesters.

“From our statistics and data, three for eight is, we felt comfortable being at three for eight, to make the program last for this semester and for next semester too,” Schneider said.

Schneider said the Late Night Ride program grew out of students pushing for another transportation option during late-night hours.

“Obviously, you know, safety, accessibility… I just think it’s important that we keep students’ best interest in mind, and if there’s money there for a safety initiative, let’s listen to the students,” Schneider said.

Students also have another transportation option this school year through the new Husker Share program.

Husker Share allows verified UNL students who are heading in the same direction to share an Uber ride. Schneider said UNL is just the second university in the country to partner with Uber to offer the program.

The addition gives students another option for getting around at night as Husker Late Night Ride enters its first full school year.

Students should have received an email from Uber Wednesday with a link to claim their vouchers. Once claimed, the vouchers will automatically apply to eligible rides within the program’s designated radius.