FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEMENT FROM ASA EXECUTIVE ON TRANSPORTATION CONCERNS
27 October, 2025,
Over the past several years, the Augustana Student Association (ASA) has remained committed to addressing student transportation needs by exploring affordable, accessible, and sustainable mobility solutions. We recognize that transportation plays a vital role in ensuring that all students can fully participate in campus life, whether it’s getting to class, work, or essential services.
ASA has historically partnered with Lyft to provide students with reliable transportation options. While this partnership has served as a valuable service, it has also come with substantial financial costs that have increasingly limited ASA’s ability to fund other important student initiatives.
Total Lyft Expenditures by Academic Year:
2022–2023: approximately $60,000
2023–2024: approximately $40,000
2024–2025: approximately $16,000
These rising expenses, historically, have constrained ASA’s budget flexibility and reduced our capacity to invest in new student programming, sustainability efforts, and long-term transportation solutions. While Lyft has provided immediate access to mobility, its high and unpredictable costs have highlighted the need for a more sustainable approach that better aligns with ASA’s mission and resources.
This fall, ASA took intentional steps to evaluate our transportation strategy after conversations with university administration regarding the long-term sustainability and financial history of the Lyft program. After pausing the Lyft partnership, we piloted SAM On Demand in collaboration with Sioux Area Metro. This pilot program, which ran from August 28 to October 4, allowed students to utilize free local rides at no cost to ASA, serving as an encouraging model for cost-effective, community-based transit.
It is essential to note that these decisions were not made in secret. The intent to explore alternative transportation opportunities was outlined in the Nyawanda–McKeown Strategic Plan, which was shared with university administration and later presented to all ASA senators at the start of the senate session. Throughout this process, feedback from students, campus partners, and administrative offices was continuously sought, ensuring that ASA’s approach remained transparent and collaborative as we worked toward a more sustainable transportation model.
At the same time, ASA has been in active conversation with university stakeholders about UNI Go, a future university-backed initiative that aims to provide long-term, sustainable transportation options while significantly reducing the financial burden associated with third-party ride services.
We understand, however, that the transition away from Lyft has raised concerns among students who rely on consistent and flexible transportation options, especially as colder weather approaches. ASA has heard this feedback clearly and is committed to ensuring that no student is left without access to safe, reliable mobility.
To meet immediate transportation needs during this transition period, ASA EXEC will reinstate emergency Lyft passes through January 31. Applications for the Lyft program will open Sunday, November 2, and close Saturday, November 9, at 11:59 p.m. This temporary measure will help bridge the gap until the launch of UNI Go, ensuring continued support for students facing transportation barriers. This commitment will remain in effect until UNI Go is implemented and a comprehensive, collaborative transportation solution is developed by the ASA Senate.
The ASA Executive Team appreciates the patience and feedback shared throughout this process. We remain dedicated to collaborating with students, university partners, and community organizations to deliver transportation solutions that are both sustainable and responsive to student needs.
Best,
ASA EXEC
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