Ohio State University is starting a discounted rideshare program earlier than originally planned following pushback from students.
The Lyft Ride Smart program offers discounted rides to students and was launched following a recent spike in crime in the area east of High Street. It was originally slated to run from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., but will now start at 7 p.m.
Safety Update: Discounted rides through Lyft Ride Smart are now available starting at 7 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. The expansion, in response to student feedback, is on top of other safety enhancements already in place. Learn more ⬇️https://t.co/tcDa8Soe9h
— Kristina M. Johnson (@PresKMJohnson) October 13, 2021
The program allows students to take discounted rides within the campus area, the University District and the Short North neighborhood.
OSU reported a big jump in campus-area crime this year, although numbers have fallen after some recent safety upgrades. Those include spending $2 million a year for the next 10 years on increased lighting, cameras, and patrols.
Hundreds of Ohio State University students and parents marched Sunday night to call for better safety on and around campus.
The group called Buckeyes For A Safe Ohio State organized the rally to remember a slain student and demand more safety measures. The group was formed in the wake of the murder of OSU student Chase Meola in October 2020.
