Connecting communities: how Harrisburg University expands transportation access with Uber 

Harrisburg, here we come. 

We’re proud to announce our latest partnership: a program with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU). It’s designed to expand transportation options for the entire campus community—and make it easier than ever for students, faculty, and staff to connect with all that HU has to offer.

Harrisburg University’s Transportation Program with Uber provides students subsidized Uber rides for essential travel needs, including transportation to internships and jobs, medical appointments, and grocery shopping. Supported by a social impact grant from Uber Transit and furnished by HU’s Office of Career Services & Experiential Learning, the initiative tackles common financial barriers for students, enhances transit equity, and broadens access to resources surrounding HU’s campus in the heart of Pennsylvania. 

HU’s Transportation Program uses Uber Vouchers, a tool that allows organizations to cover full or partial ride costs for their riders. Students at Harrisburg receive subsidies that can be applied toward rides with Uber within the designated service area during daily operational hours. 

For many college students, transportation costs represent a significant portion of daily expenses, particularly for those who commute to their campuses. Access to reliable transportation can be a determining factor in whether a student completes their academic career. 

In leveraging the Uber platform to provide subsidized, flexible travel options, Harrisburg University connects its students reliably to off-campus housing, local transit hubs, their places of work, and community events—all while alleviating the stress that comes with budgeting for transportation. After just 30 days of service, HU students were already experiencing the benefits of the program. 

The university recently highlighted Bradlee Metzger, an environmental science major and intern at a community farm in Harrisburg neighborhood Allison Hill. Introduced to the Transportation Program through his faculty adviser, Metzger is already seeing a significant change in commute costs. “With the help of the Uber voucher program, I’ve managed to reduce my weekly transportation costs from about $120 to just $30. This reduction allows me to concentrate more on my internship and worry less about commuting,” Metzger shared.

Since launching in May 2024, Harrisburg University’s Transportation Program with Uber has helped fulfill the community’s urgent need for accessible, flexible transit options—as highlighted in the 2023 Harrisburg Area Transportation Study. 

Uber is proud to partner with Harrisburg University as the school commits to doing its part toward this broader vision.

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

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