If you have an eligible emergency on a day you commuted to Stanford with alternative transportation, we will help you get home.

Rules and Restrictions

The ERH program is open to eligible non-resident students and university and hospital employees. The program ensures commuters using alternative transportation have a quick and easy alternative to get home in case of a personal emergency. You are allowed four (4) free rides per academic year (September 1 through August 31). Rules and policies of the ERH program may change without notification to eligible participants.

To qualify for a free ride, you must:

• Be using an alternative to driving alone to Stanford on the day you need a ride.
• Have a covered, verifiable need. Note: We can only cover matters of personal necessity, not personal choice.
• Not be a Stanford campus resident.

What is a "covered need"?

• Minor accident or injury (you or your immediate family)
• Sudden and unexpected illness (you or your immediate family), except if you have tested positive for COVID
• Major accident or injury to a family member
• Major individual catastrophes such as a house fire, gas leak, or flood
• Your carpool or vanpool driver needs to leave campus unexpectedly
• Bicycle flat tire or mechanical failure

What is NOT a "covered need"?

• You have tested positive for COVID. Individuals who have tested positive for COVID should arrange their own transportation home. Review the CDC’s guidance on infection prevention and control measures during ground transport.
• Injury requiring immediate medical attention. In these cases, please call 911 or ask a coworker/friend to drive you; contact Workers' Comp if job-related.
• Soiled or damaged clothing
• Region-wide natural disasters such as an earthquake
• Situations in which your immediate presence is not required
• Breakdown of public transit (e.g., Line U, bus, or Caltrain delays and cancellations)
• You need to stay late unexpectedly, and you miss your bus, train, or carpool.

How to use the ERH program

When an unforeseen emergency arises, call us at 650.723.9362.

• If your destination is within 20 miles of campus, we will send a taxi.
• If you need to go farther away, we can help procure a rental car. After confirming over the phone that you are eligible and that your emergency is covered under the program, you may also request to arrange your own ride from a ride-hailing provider, then submit your receipt to commuteclub@stanford.edu for reimbursement.

Please note: Tips should not exceed 20% and should be based on the total that excludes tax, discounts, and fees.

If you are using a taxi

Wait times for taxis may vary from 15 to 30 minutes. When meeting your taxi, ask the driver to confirm your name and destination to ensure we will cover your fare. The taxi should be dispatched by Yellow Checker Rainbow Cab.

If our office is closed

If you meet all of the ERH eligibility requirements, follow the steps below to arrange a ride and ensure reimbursement:

• Check to see if your situation is eligible for an Emergency Ride Home.
• Arrange your ride by:
  • Calling Yellow Checker Rainbow Cab at 650.999.9999
  • Using another taxi service, or a ride-hailing provider.
• Remember to retain your receipts and collect supporting materials to help us verify your request and maintain the program's integrity. Doctor's receipts, documentation from your daycare provider, or an email from your rideshare partner, are examples of approved verification.
• Upon your return to Stanford, email Stanford Transportation at commuteclub@stanford.edu and explain your situation. Include the reason for the ride and any supporting materials (such as receipts).

Twenty-four hour limit on car rentals:

• If you are using a car rental for your emergency ride home, please note that Stanford Transportation only covers the first 24 hours of the rental. After 24 hours, you will be responsible for covering the rental cost. Be sure to communicate with the car rental company if you will be extending the reservation.

What to do if your need is not "covered"

If your situation does not qualify for the ERH program, but you still need quick transportation, consider using a Zipcar or rental car.