New 'Safe Ride Sunday' Shuttle Offers Free Rides Across Campus

Students returning to campus after a weekend away will soon have a new way to get back to their residence halls and across campus, thanks to a pilot initiative from Transit and Parking and the Division of Student Affairs. 

The new Safe Ride Sunday service launches Sunday, Aug. 17, and will operate each Sunday from 2-10 p.m., offering free rides from campus parking lots to any location on campus. 

• Contact Info: Call Safe Ride at 479-575-SAFE (7233). 

The service will use Safe Ride's vehicles in an Uber-style format. It is designed to support students who return to campus with luggage, groceries or laundry, or who need to move their cars into the proper lot after the weekend. Those needing access to an ADA-equipped vehicle can notify the operator when requesting a ride. 

While routes may vary, the shuttle will only operate within the campus area. It will not travel to off-campus locations, except for select University Housing-leased apartments including Locale, Marshall and Cardinal. 

"Many students arrive back on campus Sunday evening, often with heavy bags or supplies," said Adam Waddell, director of Razorback Transit. "This expansion of the Safe Ride program is designed to meet them where they are and help get them home safely and easily." 

The service is free and does not require a reservation. Additional information will be shared closer to the Aug. 17 launch. The program is expected to continue through the 2025-26 academic year. 

"We understand students need safe and reliable transportation options on Sunday that don't require them to rely on their own means of transportation," said Jeremy Battjes, vice chancellor for Student Affairs. "We're excited to bring forward this new initiative to help students navigate campus similar to how they would throughout the rest of the week."

Student feedback during the fall semester will help shape spring transportation support programs. Safe Ride also operates Monday-Saturday during specific hours and is funded with student activity fee funds through the Associated Student Government. 

For questions, contact Transit and Parking by visiting parking.uark.edu.