Gopher Chauffeur

Goldy standing in front of a Gopher Chauffeur van pointing to a sign reading "Taking Care of U"

Boynton Health's Gopher Chauffeur is a student-founded and student-employed safe ride-home program for all University of Minnesota Twin Cities students. Our purpose is to promote campus safety by providing U of M students with free safe home rides!

It all started in 2007

The free safe ride program has been operating through Boynton Health since 2007 and was officially named Gopher Chauffeur in 2010. It was founded by the Minnesota Student Association (MSA) and was initially named the MSA Express. The name didn't fit the service once Boynton Health took over, leading to the name change. Boynton Health’s Gopher Chauffeur is for students, started by students, and students continue to make the Gopher Chauffeur incredible. We want to continue the incredible legacy that was started in 2007.

Gopher Chauffeur by the numbers: 191,395 rides since 2008, 5 vans, 7 nights per week, 50 student staff

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Boynton Health's Gopher Chauffeur is now at your fingertips.

Boynton Health's Gopher Chauffeur App

There’s a better and more efficient way to stay safe on campus. Introducing, TransLoc, the new way to book rides with Boynton Health's Gopher Chauffeur! Transloc is available on iOS and Android devices so everyone can enjoy a safe ride home. Starting on September 6th, students can utilize this new app to book safe rides on and near campus. Before launch, familiarize yourself with the app using the instructions below.

 

  1. Download ‘Transloc’ on your iOS or Android device
  2. After opening the app, click ‘OnDemand’ at the bottom of your screen
  3. Select ‘Gopher Chauffeur’ 
  4. Provide your current location and destination
  5. Once your location is confirmed, you will be asked to create an account if you don’t already have one
  6. Lastly, book your ride and track it!
  7. Enjoy your safe ride!

About Boynton Health's Gopher Chauffeur

We provide free, safe rides home for all University of Minnesota-Twin Cities students. Our team of drivers, navigators and operators are students trained in first aid and CPR.

Hours of Operation

Sun-Wed; 8:30 pm - 12:30 am

Th-Sat; 10:00 pm - 1:30 am

Gopher Chauffeur doesn't run over breaks (Fall, Winter, and Summer)

  • Fall Break: November 22nd - November 26th
  • Winter Break: December 17 - January15
  • Spring Break: March 1 - March 10
  • Last day of operation for the year: May 5

Pick-up and Drop-off Locations

View pick-up and drop-off locations Gopher Chauffeur boundaries map.

While you wait, stay in a building or well-lit area. We will call you when the Boynton Health's Gopher Chauffeur is approaching your location.

Lost and Found

Do you think you left something in a Boynton Health's Gopher Chauffeur van? Please fill out this lost and found form and we will follow up with you as soon as possible.

Tell Us What You Think About Boynton Health's Gopher Chauffeur

Share your Boynton Health's Gopher Chauffeur experience on this anonymous survey.

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Frequent questions

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Is the Boynton Health's Gopher Chauffeur wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Select the wheelchair-accessible van when requesting a ride in the app.

Will the Boynton Health's Gopher Chauffeur drive me from my residence to a bar or a house party?

No. Boynton Health's Gopher Chauffeur only provides safe rides home.

Can I eat while in the Boynton Health's Gopher Chauffeur?

Sorry, but no. Please don’t bring food, or beverages other than water, into the Boynton Health's Gopher Chauffeur. We want to keep the vans clean and critter free.

Will the drivers take music requests?

It’s up to Boynton Health's Gopher Chauffeur staff. As long the music does not create a distraction, some drivers may let you choose the music.

Do I have other transportation options?

Yes. Call Campus Escorts at 612-624-WALK for free walking and biking security escorts. Campus buses provides service between St. Paul, East Bank and West Bank campuses about every five to 20 minutes from 7:00 a.m. through 2:00 a.m. depending on the time of day and academic year. Metro Transit provides bus, light rail and commuter rail throughout the greater Twin Cities area.

Still have questions? Contact us.

For questions related to the Gopher Chauffeur, contact us at [email protected].

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