MSU Expands Free Uber Program to Reduce Student Drunk Driving

BOZEMAN — Montana State University is expanding a free ride program designed to keep students safe and reduce drunk driving incidents in the Bozeman area.

The CatCab program, which provides free Uber rides to MSU students, will operate every weekend during the academic year after a successful pilot run last spring. The service runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., covering a 15-mile radius around campus that includes Bozeman, Belgrade and Four Corners.

“We heard from students that CatCab reduces driving under the influence and gives them another option to avoid risky situations,” said Rebecca Eberlin, program director for Off-Campus Student Life. “We are excited to work with Uber so that all Bobcats can get a free ride any weekend during the school year.”

The program is funded through Associated Students of MSU fees and operated in partnership with the Office of Off-Campus Student Life. Students access the service by redeeming Uber vouchers through the CatsConnect website using their valid MSU student ID.

While designed primarily to reduce impaired driving, students can use CatCab for any transportation need, according to the program’s website. The service recognizes that not all students have access to reliable transportation, particularly among the 85% of MSU students who move off campus by their sophomore year.

Last year’s three-weekend pilot program demonstrated significant demand and positive student feedback. Students reported feeling safer knowing the option was available, Eberlin said.

“We are really excited to be able to meet this need and help students get home safely,” Eberlin said. “The impact was so great that OCSL will soon start offering free Ubers for students every weekend during the school year.”

The expansion comes as MSU continues to address the reality that most students live off campus after their required freshman year in residence halls. Off-Campus Student Life was created to centralize support for this population, which faces unique challenges including transportation and housing in the Bozeman area.

For daytime transportation needs, students also have access to free rides on Streamline Bus Service, which ASMSU helps fund through student fees. Eberlin sits on Streamline’s board of directors.

The CatCab program does not operate during summer break, winter break, or campus holidays such as Thanksgiving.

Students can access CatCab vouchers through the CatsConnect website.