Transportation: UChicago Facilities Services

The University of Chicago: Safety & Security

Transportation & Parking: Transportation Alternatives

GUARANTEED RIDE HOME (GRH) PROGRAM

Sometimes emergencies happen. If it is essential that you get home or to the site of an emergency in a hurry, you can make use of the Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program. This program is designed for UChicago staff and students who commute to work primarily (at least four days a week) using alternative transportation. Essentially, GRH is an insurance policy that allows you to quickly get to and deal with emergencies.

The University will provide you with a taxi if your destination is within 20 miles of campus, or a rental car if it is farther, and cover all expenses up to $125 per year.

GRH can only be used to cover urgent situations, known as covered needs, and go to specific locations, called covered areas. Please see the sidebar to the right for more information.

Eligibility

You are eligible for this program only if you already primarily use alternative transportation. See Eligibility Restrictions.

How to Register

Fill out and submit the Guaranteed Ride Home Registration Form. You will be notified of enrollment in the program within 10 business days.

Resources

Eligibility Restrictions

GRH Rregistration Form

GRH Flyer

What is a covererd need?

Accident or injury to you or your immediate family (child, spouse/partner, dependent)
Sudden and unexpected illness (you or your immediate family)
Major individual catastrophe such as a house fire, gas leak, or flood
Unexpected breakdown in your usual commute plans (e.g., your carpool driver needs to leave campus unexpectedly)

What is NOT a covererd need?

Job-related injury requiring immediate medical attention (call Workers Comp instead)
Soiled or damaged clothing
Region-wide natural disasters such as an earthquake
Situations in which your immediate presence is not required (e.g., your teenager overslept, missed the bus to school, and wants a ride)
Breakdown of public transit (Metra, NICTD, or CTA and cancellations)
You need to work overtime and miss your train or carpool (you or your department must pick up the bill)

Covered Areas

We can only send you home or to a place where you have to deal with some emergency, such as a hospital or daycare center. You may also stop at the site of the emergency, and then continue home. You may not make unnnecessary stops.