Frequently Asked Questions

Where can NightWalk NOT go?
NightWalk cannot go anywhere outside of the defined Service Area.
More information is available here.

Can I call and schedule a timed pickup?
Generally Timed/Scheduled Pickups are allowed if the request is well in advance (over 1 hour in advance) and as long as the current wait time does not exceed the amount time which person called in advance. Timed/Scheduled availability may vary but priority is given to those coming/going to their place of employment.

Can non-UC Students ride with me in the van?
Yes! NightWalk is 100% friendly to guests of UC Student/Faculty/Staff.

How can I get involved in NSB or NightWalk in general?
Those seeking to become members of the NSB board are encouraged to contact the board president for details of current open seats. NSB board meetings are open to members of the UC community (students, staff, and faculty), please contact us for meeting times and locations. People seeking to volunteer for NightWalk can should register and attend a training session to become certified.

Feel free to Contact us for more information.

Can NightWalk take me to the store and wait on me?
No. The NightWalk policies do not permit this. However, on a “slow night” this decision is left at the discretion of the NightWalk dispatcher.

Does NightWalk actually WALK anyone anywhere?
No, at this time, NightWalk does not provide pedestrian escorting. NightWalk provides transportation in our vans and our golf cart (within campus only, when weather permits).

Can NightWalk go downtown?
No, at this time, the NightWalk service area does not extend into the downtown area of Cincinnati.

Can NightWalk go to Cincinnati State Technical and Community College?
No, at this time the NightWalk service area does not cover Cincinnati State.

How many people are allowed in the NightWalk vans?
The NightWalk vans are only allowed to hold up to 5 passengers in addition to the driver and co-pilot. If you have a group pickup larger than this please let the dispatcher know when placing a pickup request! Two vans (or trips) will be needed for your party. This rule is set by NightWalk operating policy which mandates that the number of passengers in a moving vehicle cannot exceed the number of seat belts.

How long are NightWalk wait times?
Wait times can vary. They can be anywhere from 5 minutes to over 1 hour depending on call volume. We ask all callers and passengers to be courteous and understanding at all times. Our busiest nights are usually Thursday-Saturday.

When is the NightWalk service available?
NightWalk is available during Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters. All seven days of the week. Currently the operating times are Sun-Wed: 8pm-12am, Thurs-Sat: 8pm-2am. These are subject to change without notice (but we will try our best to provide notice anyway). Excluding only university holidays and official breaks.

Any other times which NightWalk is expected to not be in operation will be announced on ucnightwalk.org

Does NightWalk run during exam weeks?
We try to the best of our ability to run the NightWalk service during up until Wednesday of Exam week. Sometimes, however, no volunteers are available (due to exams). If any plans are changed we will place notification on ucnightwalk.org

Are the Volunteers paid?
No. Working for NightWalk is considered community service. Volunteers only receive community service hours as credit. Added Bonus: Volunteers get free pizza every night they work!

How is NightWalk different from the Bearcat Transportation System (BTS) or Cincinnati Metro?
NightWalk has a more personalized 1-on-1 approach to transporting students. Rather than being picked up and dropped off at designated “bus stops”, NightWalk picks you up from your doorstep and takes you directly to where ever you are going. Safer than walking to/from or waiting at a “bus stop” after dark.

How much does NightWalk cost?
NightWalk is free to all UC students, faculty and staff.

What do the NightWalk vans actually look like?
The NightWalk vans are all white. One van "NightWalk" written on the side. A new, second van has "University of Cincinnati" on the front doors, but does not yet have Nightwalk markings.

Does NightWalk run during summer quarter?
No. Unfortunately, NightWalk is not in service during summer quarter. Only Fall, Winter and Spring.

Can I bring my alcohol with me when I ride in a NightWalk van?
No. alcohol is not permitted in the NightWalk van. Volunteers retain the right to refuse service to those who do not comply.

Can I smoke in the NightWalk van during my ride?
No. Smoking is not permitted in the NightWalk van. Volunteers retain the right to refuse service to those who do not comply.

What recourse do I have if I feel the volunteers were not looking after my needs?
If you ever feel you were not treated as you should have been we would really like to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to send us an email! We value the students and their safety.

When are the LAST CALLS accepted?
NightWalk accepts pickup requests up until the exact cut-off time of either 12:00am or 2:00am. This means, if your call at 11:59pm or 1:59am, you still can be added to the current list/queue. Dispatchers will stop answer the phone at 12:00am or 2:00am (depending on the day). Passengers are urged you to call in ahead of these cut-off times to prevent time discrepancies from not allowing you to get picked up. If you ever feel that something is not being handled correctly by the volunteers please contact the NightWalk Safety Board as soon as possible – you can remain anonymous.

What's the difference between NightWalk and NSB?
NSB is the acronym for the NightWalk Safety Board. "NightWalk" happens to be the name of a shuttle program managed by the NightWalk Safety Board (NSB). The two terms are NOT one in the same. As NSB has OTHER programs/initiatives in addition to "NightWalk".

What if I lose something in the NightWalk van?
If you believe you have left something in the van, call back to NightWalk and ask that the van be checked for said item. The dispatcher should have the vans searched immediately for your item. If it is found you can arrange a time/place for the van to drop it off with you or you can go to the NightWalk office and pick it up before the end of the night.
If NightWalk volunteers find valuables left in the van (wallet, cell phone, car keys, purse, etc.) they will be turned into the UCPD office at the end of the night and you can go there to pick them up. Anything not deemed valuable (hat, gloves, paper notebook, etc.) may be left in the NightWalk office in our Lost and Found for a few weeks before being donated or thrown away. Please call NightWalk during operating hours to inquire about your item.

How can I delete my volunteering account?
To remove your account:
Login to Online Volunteer Scheduling
Go to "Edit your profile"
Click on the link at the bottom of the page to delete your account.