Transportation & Parking

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Accessible Parking Information

Permits are available upon request for long- or short-term accessible parking.

Accessible Transportation Options

All bus transportation at the University of Chicago is accessible to individuals with disabilities, including the UGo Shuttles and the Chicago Transit Authority 171, 172, and 192 bus routes. Lifts and ramps on all buses are available for use upon request by anyone who has trouble with steps, even temporarily. The UGo NightRide shuttles also provide accessible transportation. Get more information on Safety & Security’s Transportation page or the Transportation for Injured or Disabled Students page.

An injured student who needs transportation should fill out the Injured Student Transportation Request Form and contact Transportation & Parking Services at (773) 702-7595 or bus@uchicago.edu between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays). Submit your request at least 24 hours in advance of when service is needed. In the interim, students should arrange other transportation options. Transportation will be provided on campus for classes, meals, appointments, and other University-related activities between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Pick-up and drop-off times may vary depending on service demands. Injured student transportation will be provided for injured students, but not for a third party.

The University also provides Dial-A-Ride, a complimentary curb-to-curb transportation service for students with long-term limited mobility. The service provides rides to and from regularly scheduled classes and to and from medical appointments at the University of Chicago Medicine complex. Students requesting this service should first register with Student Disabilities Services by contacting (773)702-6000 or disabilities@uchicago.edu. Service must then be arranged with Transportation & Parking Services at least three business days prior to an individual’s transport needs. To arrange for this service, contact (773)702-7595 or bus@uchicago.edu.

City of Chicago and Suburbs

The CTA provides fully accessible services on most of its bus routes and rail (“L”) services, and provides door-to-door paratransit services to those who qualify. The CTA Trip Planner allows you to select accessible/step-free routes and the phone app version lets you select or deselect stations that have solid stairs, escalators, or elevators. You may wish to check routes for accessibility alerts before departing.

All train lines in the Metra system are fully accessible, but some stations may not be accessible or fully accessible. Service spans all six counties in metropolitan Chicago.

PACE provides fully accessible transit services within the six county metropolitan Chicago area, and door-to-door paratransit services for those who qualify.

Discounts on Lyft Rides
Students needing a ride between times that the shuttle or bus services are not available can now receive $2.00 off the Lyft ride from 4 am-6 am, 7 days/week. Discount codes to be used in-app will follow the pattern “UCHICAGOSEPT” “UCHICAGOOCT” “UCHICAGONOV”, etc. and change each month. The discount codes can be used by anyone affiliated with the University

Lyft Access Mode for Wheelchair Users
To support the transportation needs of people who use fixed-frame (non-foldable/non-collapsible) wheelchairs, Lyft provides dedicated WAV service directly through the Lyft app in the Chicagoland area.

How to use Lyft Access Mode

Step 1: Download the Lyft app and set up your account

Step 2: Enable Access Mode

  1. Tap the Menu icon in the top left corner of the app
  2. Scroll down and tap Settings
  3. Find Wheelchair access in the Menu
  4. Slide the toggle to the right to enable Access Mode
    so it turns green, indicating enabled

Step 3: Request your ride

  1. Enter in your destination, then swipe left to see additional
    modes
  2. Tap More then tap Access to select
    Wheelchair Mode
  3. Tap “Request Access,” confirm your pickup location,
    and you’re all set!