Apps such as Uber and Lyft have become wildly popular in the college scene. Whether it be riding to and from parties, restaurants, or sporting events, students are loving these car ride apps.

The University of Louisville has recently taken measures to provide rides for students. Previously, the campus police or ULPD provided rides at night to student who needed a safe way home. Now, the Card Cab service has been implemented. The ULPD still provides rides to students from the hours of dusk to 10PM and 4AM to dawn, 7 days a week. Card Cab seats multiple students and is available from 10PM to 4AM, Monday through Saturday.

Pictured: Card Cab vehicles have three rows of seating for multiple-passenger pickups.

One huge advantage to the Card Cab is that it is free. The cab will drive you around campus and surrounding housing complexes, completely free.

Uber and Lyft will typically charge around $4-7 to get across campus and they have all sorts of hidden charges and fees they will hit you with. For example, I had an uber driver charge me $16 on what should have been a $4 ride, because the ride took longer than expected, but HE took the wrong route. Riding with students who know the campus is not only safer but easier.

Pictured: Gotcha app icon

Card Cab has an app called “Gotcha” that you download that looks very similar to the Uber and Lyft apps, and it is extremely user friendly. One feature I like is that you have to put in your school email to verify you are a student, meaning you will only be riding with students and not random people. All you have to do is go in the app and request a ride, you put in your exact location and destination and someone will show up within minutes.

Having a free night time ride service that is ONLY for students was a great choice by UofL. It not only promotes safety, but makes a bigger effort to maintain sustainability on campus.