Penn Transit is pleased to announce the introduction of a new mobile application that allows riders to request a ride on one of the University’s shuttle services from their mobile devices as well as obtain real-time information about the fixed-route vehicle schedules.

Similar to popular rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, PennRides on Request is a downloadable app and is now available on the App Store and Google Play to members of the Penn community. This convenient new app allows passengers using Penn Transit’s on-demand shuttle services to: 

• Request a ride immediately or schedule a ride in advance (A minimum of two hours ahead of time is necessary and a request can be placed up to seven days in advance);

• Receive estimated arrival times for their rides that can be followed on the app;

• Get a digital push notification when the driver has arrived at the pick-up location; and,

• Ensure that an ADA-accessible vehicle is assigned to any passenger request that requires accommodation for a wheelchair.

The PennRides on Request app also offers users the ability to toggle to PennRides en Route, Penn Transit’s fixed-route, live-map service that features Penn Bus and Penn FMC Shuttle, along with information about Loop Around University City (LUCY®) and the Walking Escort Program.  Riders can now choose the mode of transportation that is most appropriate for their travels to, from and around campus, all from within the rideshare app.  

You may download the free app using your PennKey and password. To use any of the University’s on-demand transit shuttle services, it is no longer necessary to call (215) 898-RIDE/7422 to ask for a ride, although that option remains available. When using the app for travel to and from campus, shuttle passengers may only be picked-up and dropped-off at designated campus locations, which are conveniently listed in the mobile app. Shuttles and buses will continue to operate within designated boundaries and current operational hours. 

The application’s minimum operating system requirements for Apple mobile devices is 9.0 and Droid users will need at least Android Version 5.1 to experience the app’s complete capabilities.  Additionally, it’s recommended that app users be sure to review their mobile device settings to accept push notifications.  

More information about PennRides on Request, PennRides en Route, and the full complement of the University’s bus and shuttle services is available at www.upenn.edu/PennTransit/appinformation