When Cougar Safe Rides ended in 2024, its downfall came amid a critical staffing crisis. Now that safe rides are back under a new partnership between WSU and the DMAC Foundation, the program is requesting more drivers.
As part of an ongoing project with the Center for Community Engagement, drivers can earn service hours by volunteering, in addition to pay through Lyft. Those interested can email [email protected] to get started.
According to ASWSU, so far all requested rides have been fulfilled. However, driver availability is limited and may vary.
The new service is free and discreet for all WSU students and operates between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., every night, within a three-mile radius of campus. Students can register by signing up at the GetHomeSafe website using their student email and selecting WSU during registration.
Once registered, students will receive three Lyft safe ride codes. Rides are accessible using a campus-specific phrase and a QR code.
Unlike CSR, the new program is offered to all undergraduate students as of its inception. Though CSR later expanded to accepting rides for all students, this led to overuse and abuse, resulting in staffing issues that contributed to its eventual demise, according to ASWSU Vice President Grace Carpenter.
Garry Lynn • Mar 9, 2026 at 11:55 pm
Why is a local University partnering with a company that routinely takes advantage of there drivers. Companies Like Uber,Lyft and DoorDash already take advantage of the students here,why on gods earth do they think its a good idea to use Lyft services for any reason.
cEdwards • Mar 11, 2026 at 4:59 pm
Unless you’re volunteering to help out, Garry, this isn’t constructive criticism. What would be your alternative solution?