The Elm

Safe Ride is getting an upgrade! Faculty, staff, and students who request a ride through the Mobile UMB app beginning Monday, Aug. 14, will notice small changes to the way the Safe Ride service interface looks. The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Police and Public Safety’s free ride service is still available from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on campus and in neighboring communities.

Following the upgrade, users will need to follow these steps the first time they request a Safe Ride through the Mobile UMB app:

1. Click “Safe Ride”
2. Click “Continue with University Login”
3. Select “University of Maryland – Baltimore”
4. Enter your UMID and password, then approve your log-in using Duo Authentication
5. Enter your first name, last name, and mobile phone number. Click “Submit”
6. Check the box to agree to the privacy policy
7. Select “University of Maryland – Baltimore”
8. Click “allow” to use your location
9. At the top of the screen, click the “Custom Pickup” text box. Enter your pickup location that is within the Safe Ride boundary.
   You can also move the map on the screen until the pin with the “A” in the blue circle is at your pickup location
10. Click “Select Pickup” at the bottom of the screen
11. At the top of the screen, click the “Custom Drop-off” text box. Enter your drop-off location that is within the Safe Ride boundary.
    You can also move the map on the screen until the pin with the “B” in the blue circle is at your drop-off location
12. Click “Select Drop-off” at the bottom of the screen
13. Select the number of passengers who will need a Safe Ride. Click “Next.”
    Please note, wheelchair access and bicycle pickup is not available at this time.
14. Check that the details are right and then click “Confirm ride”

Once you confirm your ride, the system will say “pending” while your ride is sent to the driver for confirmation. Please be patient — others may be waiting ahead of you, especially when there is inclement weather and during class changes. Once the driver confirms your ride, you will receive your scheduled pickup time. Please be ready when your Safe Ride driver arrives to prevent delays for other riders.

After your first ride, you should not need to re-enter your UMID and password. Simply click “Safe Ride” in the Mobile UMB app and “allow” your location, then follow steps 9-14 to confirm your ride.  

Those who do not have a smartphone can also call UMB Public Safety police communications operators at 410-706-6882 to request a Safe Ride. Safe Walk is also available 24/7 on campus by calling 410-706-6882.

Safe Ride drivers are uniformed UMB Public Safety security officers. All UMB Public Safety employees undergo a background check before being hired. This makes using Safe Ride safer than any rideshare service — you know who you’re getting in the van with! Learn what it’s like to go on a Safe Ride ride-along.