UCSF partnered with Uber for access to premium shuttle services on Uber’s Commute Shuttles. UCSF employees commuting to Mission Bay can purchase a monthly subscription to access ten routes, from within San Francisco, East Bay, North Bay, and South Bay, with rides available Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) during morning and evening commute hours.
Take a look at the routes and schedule to see if this program is a commute option for you. As the program gains popularity, there is potential to expand service to include additional routes and schedules, including stops at Parnassus Heights.
Routes and Schedule
There are ten routes with multiple pick-up points.
San Francisco Routes:
- Marina
- Geary
- 19th Avenue/Mission
- Panhandle/Noe Valley
Regional Routes:
- Berkeley/Oakland
- South Bay
- Dublin/Walnut Creek
- Marin
- Fremont/Peninsula
- Sunnyvale Uber Campus
Eligibility
UCSF employees who commute to Mission Bay are eligible for the program. UCSF ID and UCSF email address are required to participate. Your UCSF ID number can be found by clicking on 'My ID' on the light blue bar in the UCSF MyAccess system. It is not the same as the number that appears on your UCSF badge.
How it works
To use the UCSF Uber Commute Shuttle, follow this process monthly:
- Purchase Your Subscription by the 21st
After reviewing the route and schedule, purchase your monthly Uber Shuttle subscription by the 21st to begin using the service the following month. Subscriptions are first-come, first-served until sold out.
November Subscription
Friday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to Monday, Oct. 20, 4:30 p.m.
December Subscription
Monday, Nov. 17. 10 a.m. to Thursday, Nov 20, 4:30 p.m.
Tip: Add these dates to your calendar as a reminder
2. Receive Payment Confirmation
Once you complete your purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email from UCSF eCommerce.
3. Uber Access Email Sent on the 25th
On the 25th of the same month you signed up, Uber will email you confirming that your account is ready. You can then use your UCSF email in the Uber app to access the "Shuttle" option. Find the route and reserve an available seat on one of the times posted. You can make reservations five days in advance.
4. Start Riding on the 1st Work Day of the Month
You’ll be able to start using the shuttle on the first work day of the new month.
Renewal Note:
Current subscribers will get early access to renew for the next month. If there is a break in your subscription, you will not receive early access.
Cost
The cost is the same for all routes. Employees are responsible for any costs related to the park and ride locations.
FAQs
Why only Mission Bay? Why not Parnassus Heights, too?
UCSF is partnering with Uber to share available seats on their employee shuttles already coming to the Uber headquarters in Mission Bay. As the program gains popularity, there is potential to expand schedules, routes, and stops, including stops in Parnassus Heights.
I want the first run out and the first run back. If I purchase a subscription, am I guaranteed a seat on the schedule that I prefer?
No. Reservations are first-come-first-served. You might not get your preferred time. The ability to be flexible within the established schedule times will be up to your personal work needs.
I’m going on vacation. Can I skip a month and be guaranteed a seat when I return?
A continuous subscription is required to maintain early access.
Where does the shuttle drop off and pick up in Mission Bay?
The Uber Shuttle picks up and drops off adjacent to the Chase Center on 16 Street, between 3rd Street and Terry A. Francois Street.
What amenities are available on the shuttles?
All Uber Commute shuttles are climate-controlled and equipped with Wifi and charging outlets. Restrooms and bicycle storage are available on some vehicles.
Can I pay a prorated fee and ride the service for a partial month?
The service is a monthly subscription, and no prorated options are available.
I’d like to use the service, but the schedule/route/stop does not work for me.
Because this program is operated by Uber, they set the routes. Take a look at commute options that might work for you. Alternatively, you can schedule a Commute Concierge Consultation.
I bike as a part of my commute; are there bike racks available?
Bike storage is available on some vehicles. Some shuttle stops have bike lockers and racks for bike storage.
I couldn’t get a reservation for my preferred schedule. Can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, there are no refunds if you were unable to secure a reservation for your preferred schedule. Reservations are first-come-first-served. You might not get your preferred time. The ability to be flexible within the established schedule times will be up to your personal work needs.
Can I use Commuter Pre-Tax Benefits to pay for the service?
Yes, you may use the Commuter Pre-Tax Benefits for payment. The Uber Commute shuttle program qualifies as an eligible transit expense under the federal pre-tax commuter benefit program. Learn more about Edenred - Commuter Pre-Tax Benefit.
If you have additional questions, reach out to our team. Email: Uber.Shuttle@ucsf.edu
