Rideshare, Taxi, and Zipcar
Whether you need a ride downtown or want to rent a car for a day trip, you have plenty of options.
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From hailing a ride to renting a car, you have several options to get from campus to wherever you’re going.
Rideshare Options
The rideshare service Lyft is available in the Monterey Bay Area. Additionally, Go831! is a local ridesharing/carpooling matching program available through the RideAmigos platform.
Local Taxis and Voucher Program
The area has several local taxi service providers, including Salinas Yellow Cab.
Additionally, Monterey-Salinas Transit offers a taxi voucher program to assist seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Airport Shuttle
Students departing or arriving at the international airports in San Jose or San Francisco can schedule a ride to campus through Groome Transportation Services.
Zipcar Carsharing
If you’re looking to borrow a car to run a few errands for a weekend getaway, consider Zipcar. Cal State Monterey Bay participates in this national car-sharing program, with a few cars available right here on campus.
How it works: Zipcar members can reserve a car for a few hours, for the day, or up to a week. Rates are typically $10 per hour and $83 per day. Plus, Zip trips include gas and insurance. Once you reserve your trip, you'll find the car in one of our lots, use the app to unlock the car, and you’re off!
Student memberships start at just $15 per year. Apply for a Zipcar membership here.
Late Night Otter Rides (Lyft)
Need a safe ride late at night? The Late Night Otter Rides program offers free Lyft vouchers to help registered CSUMB students get around safely after hours.
How It Works
- Get 3 free Lyft ride vouchers per month
- Each voucher covers up to $15 per ride (tip not included)
- Vouchers reload monthly (unused rides don’t carry over)
- Rides are valid within a 15-mile radius of campus
Ride Times (Regular Semesters)
- Daily: 8:00 p.m. – 11:59 p.m.
- Tuesday–Saturday: 12:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.
- Sunday–Monday: 12:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.
Who Can Use It
- Must be a currently registered CSUMB student
- Register using your CSUMB email address
- Once registered, you’ll get a Lyft invite with ride access
How to Register
- Sign up using your CSUMB email
- Look for your invite from Lyft or email transportation@csumb.edu for help
Voucher Details
- Code: OTTERRIDESCSUMB
- Limit: 3 vouchers per month
- Coverage: Up to $15 off per ride
- Access: Available via the CSUMB Transportation portal
This program is funded to help keep Otters safe and supported. Use it responsibly, and get home with peace of mind.