Moving STRIPES: innovating student transportation at Mizzou

Look out, Tigers—we’re moving Mizzou. 

Since 2001, the University of Missouri’s STRIPES safe-ride program has provided rides home for undergraduate and graduate students. As of Spring 2024, the STRIPES program operates in partnership with Uber Transit. 

Using our Travel feature, the University of Missouri (MU) Missouri Students Association (MSA) provides its students with credit to use on trips with Uber between their residence and bustling downtown Columbia. Supported by MSA through student activity fees, the program aims to promote student safety, enhance campus connectivity, and provide Tigers with convenient, stress-free transportation, especially during late-night hours.

Through STRIPES, MU students receive up to $15 of credit every month to use on trips with Uber on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays between 9pm and 2am. All undergraduate and graduate students who have paid Mizzou’s Student Activity Fee are eligible for STRIPES.

Student government leaders championed MU’s collaboration with Uber Transit. Aware of their peers’ needs, MSA leadership recognized the crucial role reliable transportation plays in student life and pushed for this vital program. In working with Uber, MSA saw an opportunity to enhance campus life and improve safety in the process, demonstrating their dedication to creating a better experience for all students.

The STRIPES program, funded through the school’s Student Activity Fee, demonstrates an innovative approach to financing crucial transportation and safety initiatives. The Student Activity Fee is a mandatory fee included in MU tuition that provides funding to on-campus programs and services for student use. By dedicating the portion of the fee set aside for student government to supporting this program, MSA addresses student needs and expands campus offerings—all while optimizing existing resources.

Since partnering with Uber Transit, STRIPES has delivered 13,000+ rides for 300+ weekly riders, on average. Whether it’s after a Tigers game, an evening study session, or a night out, Mizzou students travel stress-free with STRIPES.

If you’re interested in learning more about university partnerships with Uber, please visit uber.com/higher-education. 

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