Frequently Asked Questions

Sounds great! How do I sign up?

You can sign up online at www.v-ride.com.

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.

When are rides available?

Rides will be dispatched for same-day rides between 4:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. seven days/week. All V Ride subscribers will be provided with a smart phone app for use requesting rides. If you request a ride during service hours, a vehicle will be dispatched immediately to your location. If you request a ride outside service hours, the app will ask you for your requested pick-up time and date. If you don't have a smart phone, you may call our dispatch center. Same rules apply. Rides outside the service area are only guaranteed by contacting us at least 12 hours in advance and are based on availability.

I really really really need a ride and it's after 4:00 a.m. Am I out of luck?

If you don't contact us by 4:00 a.m. then, sorry to say ... yes.

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

V Ride has a preferred relationship with GroundLink. Contact them at (888) 426-6125 to make a reservation.

Can't I just flag down a V Ride vehicle?

V Ride customers who contact us 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 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 call ahead to confirm their identity prior to using the V Ride service. No one will be allowed to ride without an ID without first confirming their identity with V Ride.

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

You may bring up to three guests. Your account will be charged $5 each way for each guest. All guests must ride to and from the same destination as the V Ride member. Parents are welcome.

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. V Ride has developed a "V Ride Certified" program to ensure driver safety. For example, all drivers' licenses are checked daily before allowing them to drive you around.

How safe are your vehicles?

Really, really safe. Our control center knows where every V Ride vehicle is at all times.

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.

I have a question but I don't see it listed here. What do I do?

If you have a suggestion for our FAQ page, please e-mail it to us at info@v-ride.com. Not only will we give a personal response, but if we like it well enough, you could see your very own question on the FAQ page someday!