Safe Ride demand drives discussions

Drivers call for more shifts, students face rideshare struggles

By ZOEY SOH the daily northwestern @zzoeysoh

Some students face competition trying to get a Safe Ride on late nights.

But inside the car, some drivers say they are struggling to get shifts at all.

Northwestern’s Safe Ride service began partnering with TransitTech software provider Via in 2019 to provide students with free and safe transportation at night. Rides completed nightly have increased by 60% since the partnership began, according to University spokespeople.

Some Safe Ride drivers prefer working for the service over companies like Uber because they are paid hourly, rather than for each ride.

Driver Joe Powell has been working for Safe Ride for two years. In addition to the consistent pay, he said he enjoys the range drivers operate in.

“Driving for Safe Ride is actually perfect,” Powell said. “The best part about it is it’s a small area, so it’s safe for me to drive in (the coverage area) at night.”

Though Powell enjoys working for Safe Ride, he said it’s sometimes difficult to find shifts.

According to a University spokesperson, drivers sign up for shifts through Via.

“There’s times when I would like to work, but I can’t because there’s no available slots.” Powell said. “It’s almost like fighting for shifts.”

While Powell also works for other rideshare and delivery services like DoorDash, Safe Ride is the only source of income for some drivers, like Elmo Elyoussoufi. Elyoussoufi also said he hopes to see an increase in Safe Ride shifts available. Not only would this result in increased income and less competition, it would also make it easier for drivers to take breaks, he said.

“Sometimes in the list, I have seven to eight students,” said Elyoussoufi. “I’m meant to finish the list, then I get (a) break.”

Elyoussoufi said he has worked

» See SAFERIDE , page 6