Frequently Asked Questions

Sounds great! How do I sign up?

You can sign up online at www.v-ride.com, by calling us at (800) 406-0301 or by stopping by our offices, conveniently located at 206 East Delaware Avenue.

What methods of payment do you take?

We accept Master Card, Visa, American Express and Discover cards or direct debit via PayPal. Monthly Plan customers will be charged on the 21st of the prior month.

It's the middle of the semester and I want to sign up. Do I have to pay for the whole semester?

If you sign up mid-semester, you will be enrolled in the monthly plan for the duration of that semester.

I'm leaving mid-semester; do I still have to pay for my membership?

Students who can prove that they are leaving the University will be refunded a pro-rated amount for their unused subscription. Additional fees may apply.

Is this available to non-University students?

V Ride is a service available to full-time or part-time students. A current student ID is required both to register and to use the V Ride service.

What about professors and staff? Can they be members too?

Not at this time. Perhaps at some point V Ride will expand this service to include them, but for now, it's just for students. That said, V Ride will consider providing services such as guaranteed rides home and conference/special event support for academic departments, alumni associations and the like, but this will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

What is your service area?

Unlimited rides are provided within the service area here. Rides are available to the Christiana Mall, Wilmington Train Station, and Philadelphia Airport based on availability and 24 hour advance notice. Trips to these three locations are unlimited and free for Academic Year subscribers; six (6) round trips are included in the Fall Semester and Spring Semester packages. All other V Ride subscribers should call for rates.

What if I want a ride to other parts of the region?

V Ride has a preferred relationship with Z Best Limousine, a licensed transportation provider in the State of Delaware. Our dispatcher will be happy to connect you with a Z Best ride offering competitive rates throughout the area.

I really really really need a ride and it's after 3:00 a.m. Am I out of luck?

If you don't call dispatch by 3:00 a.m. then, sorry to say ... yes.

When are rides available?

Rides will be dispatched for same-day rides between 3:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. seven days/week. Rides within the service area may be arranged in advance by calling between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. Rides outside the service area are only guaranteed by calling at least 24 hours in advance and are based on availability.

Why do I need to call first? Can't I just flag down a V Ride vehicle?

V Ride customers who call first receive preferential treatment. If you are a V Ride customer and you "hail" a V Ride vehicle, the driver will stop to pick you up only if the car is not responding to a call or pre-arranged ride.

What ID do I need to ride?

Any V Ride customer will need to show a current, valid V Card as well as a current, valid UD student ID.

I don't have my ID, but I really really really need a ride. What do I do?

V Ride customers who are missing IDs will need to contact our dispatch center to confirm their identity prior to using the V Ride service. V Ride customers will be allowed to ride without an ID provided this prior verification has been obtained up to twice within a four-month period. No one will be allowed to ride without an ID without first confirming their identity with the V Ride dispatcher. It just wouldn't be fair, and our lawyers would be mad.

Can I use Flex Points to pay for my V Ride?

Not yet. We're working on it.

How does the Bring a Friend system work?

Your friend must ride with you to and from the exact same location as you. All other rules and policies apply.

What if I want to bring more than one guest? What if my parents are coming in from out of town and they would like to ride?

You may bring up to two guests. If you are in our Bring A Friend program, your first guest rides free. Your account will be charged $5 for each guest. If you are not in our Bring A Friend program, your account will be charged $5 per guest with a limit of 2 guests per ride. More than two guests are never allowed. All guests must ride to and from the destination as the V Ride member.

How long will I have to wait for a ride?

V Ride makes no guarantees regarding wait time, but given our compact service area, we expect to be able to pick you up within 20 minutes of your service call. We'll do our best during high-volume weekends (big games, commencement, etc.). We don't expect you'll have to wait too long even then. We're that good.

How safe are your drivers?

Really really safe. They undergo background checks by the FBI. More information here.

How safe are your vehicles?

Really really safe. The systems are monitored every 20 seconds, and the dispatch center knows where every V Ride vehicle is at all times. The drivers are monitored by cameras. Read more information here.

What if I want to cause trouble during my ride?

Of course you wouldn't. But if you decide to, here's how it works: if you spill anything, or otherwise damage the vehicle, you will be charged to have it cleaned (plus something extra for our trouble). No distracting the driver. Safety comes first. V Ride reserves the right to cancel your membership if you interfere with the operation or are otherwise abusive, disruptive or hateful. If that sounds uncool, this service probably isn't right for you. You can read more in our terms and conditions section, which was developed to ensure that you really can relax and enjoy the ride.

Are group memberships available?

V Ride will be happy to discuss group memberships to student organizations. Give the V Ride Team a call at (800) 707-8055.