Kentucky Wildcab offers a safe ride home, and it’s free.

Since Wildcab’s start in August 2016, the student-taxi service has completed about 19,000 rides, Chrissie Balding Tune, the UK Transportation Services Communication officer, said. 

Wildcab is similar to other app-based services like Uber or Lyft, but with one important distinction.

“It is free,” Tune said. “It’s a free service that students should take advantage of.”

Wildcab operates every Thursday through Saturday during the spring and fall semesters from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., according to James Hutchins, the Alternative Transportation Supervisor.

To hail the Wildcab, students must use the Transloc Rider mobile app, which can be downloaded on the app’s website. Students can make their account on the website with their Link Blue credentials.

Students can request a cab in or around campus, Hutchins said, and a Wildcab will arrive at their desired pickup location.

Hutchins said that—along with many popular bars—students often get late night rides to and from Steak ‘n Shake, Canes or Cookout. Some north campus students simply get a quick ride from K-Lot to their dorm.

Wildcab is student-founded and student-driven.

The taxi service began as a Student Government Association initiative and is staffed by students who work for UK Transportation Services, Hutchins said.

“It’s free,” Hutchins said. “Uber and Lyft and all that is great but this is a free service for the students.”