Getting around campus or the city quickly is a top priority for many students—especially when public transit isn’t reliable, or you’re heading out late at night. But frequent taxi rides can be a budget-buster. Fortunately, there are several ways for students to get discounts on local taxi rides, from university-sponsored programs to cashback tools and student-friendly budgeting apps.
Here’s how to save more on your next ride without compromising safety or convenience.
- Check for university-subsidized ride programs
Many colleges and universities offer subsidized or fully-funded taxi programs for students, especially during late-night hours. These services often work in partnership with local taxi companies or rideshare providers to ensure safe, affordable transportation around campus and surrounding areas. Check your campus transportation website or student affairs office to find out what options are available where you study.
- Use student ID discounts with local taxi companies
In some cities, taxi companies offer flat-rate or discounted fares for students who present a valid ID. These programs may not always be widely advertised, so it’s worth asking when you book a ride or checking the company’s website.
For example, in cities like Boston and Philadelphia, several cab companies partner with universities to offer student rates or simplified payment through campus cards. Keep your student ID handy and don’t hesitate to ask about student-specific fares.
- Join rideshare programs that offer student savings
Some rideshare apps run student-focused promotions or allow you to apply discount codes if you register with a .edu email address. This includes sign-up bonuses, free ride credits, or percentage-based discounts on off-peak hours.
If you’re booking through platforms like Uber or Lyft, consider using cashback gift cards to save even more. Through Fluz, students can earn cashback with an Uber gift card or get rewards with a Lyft gift card by simply purchasing a gift card for the amount of their ride and using it in-app.
You can also use a Fluz virtual card to pay with Apple Pay or Google Pay when hailing a taxi that accepts contactless payments—no need to carry cash or worry about change.
- Use budget apps to manage your ride spending
Student life often comes with unpredictable schedules, and taxi use can spike during exams, late-night events, or internships. Apps like PocketGuard and Wally help track your transportation spending and send alerts when you’re close to your budget.
Many of these apps also help categorize rideshare or taxi expenses separately, making it easier to identify patterns and cut back when needed.
- Split fares with classmates safely
If you’re commuting off-campus or heading out with friends, consider splitting the fare. Most rideshare apps include built-in fare splitting features, and for traditional taxis, tools like Venmo or Zelle make it easy to settle up quickly and safely.
Just be sure to plan ahead and agree on who’s paying up front so you can still use any applicable gift card or cashback tool for the full amount—then divide the savings later.
Final thoughts
For students juggling classes, social life, and part-time work, every dollar saved matters. Whether you’re taking advantage of your school’s safe ride program or using tools like Fluz to get rewards with a Lyft gift card, there are plenty of ways to reduce your transportation costs without sacrificing security or speed. Start by checking what your school already offers—and then layer in smart payment strategies to stretch your budget further.
