In response to feedback from George Washington University students, the university is rolling out a series of updates to its student safe-ride service.
GW Safe Ride, formerly known as 4Ride, provides students with a safe ride to and from locations around the Foggy Bottom campus during late night hours.
The university gathered student feedback on ways to improve the existing 4Ride service. This feedback guided implementation of the new GW Rider app, which allows students to request a “Safe Ride” as well as track status of VSTC and Vern Express shuttles. Other updates to the university’s student transportation options include new branded Safe Ride vehicles and a $25 discounted Capital Bikeshare student membership.
“We’ve heard from students the need to update and brand our vehicles, shorten wait times and have a more up-to-date platform for requesting service. That’s why we worked this summer to address these concerns by enhancing GW’s on-demand services for safe rides to provide a faster and more streamlined service for students needing to travel safely across campus,” said Alicia Knight, senior associate vice president for operations.
New App: GW Rider
The recently-launched GW Rider app merges the functions of the previous shuttle tracking apps with requests for safe ride escorts into one easy-to-use mobile app. Students will now be able to request and track their assigned vehicle in real time. The app functions similarly to other ride-share apps where users can order a safe ride on demand between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. during the fall and spring semesters. Download the GW Rider app on the Apple or Android store.
Students can also use the GW Rider app to track fixed-route transportation options such as the Vern Express and VSTC shuttles.
New Vehicles
The GW Safe Ride fleet has been upgraded with seven new vehicles—six, five-passenger hybrid vehicles and one 10-passenger van. These will operate alongside the two 12-passenger vans and one van that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which are already in service. In response to student feedback, the vehicles also have a new look with GW branding to make them easily identifiable.
Updated Service Area
GW Safe Ride vehicles also will operate within new campus-centric areas of service. Students can request a GW Safe Ride between 19th and 24th streets and E Street/Virginia Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue. Safe Ride also will serve GW buildings near campus such as the Aston, Corcoran Flagg Building and 1776 G St. NW. The new boundaries help GW Safe Ride shorten wait times and provide faster service.
New $25 Capital Bikeshare Student Membership & Car2Go
The university encourages students to consider alternate transportation options to travel outside of the GW Safe Ride service area. The university is pleased to announce its new partnership with Capital Bikeshare for a $25 annual membership for GW students (a $60 savings from standard $85 annual membership fee).
To expand additional opportunities for students, the university is also partnering with car-sharing services such as Car2Go. Sign up for free at Car2Go using promo code "GW" and receive a $10 ride credit on your first trip. The university also will be announcing in coming weeks additional partnerships with other car-sharing services to increase alternative travel options.
Whether on a bicycle or in a vehicle, students are encouraged to be mindful of safety tips when traveling on or off campus. And, when riding a bicycle, always wear a helmet. They reduce your risk of serious head injury by 70 percent.
For more information visit GW transportation.