Transportation Access
Transportation is vital for accessing essential services. United Way's Ride United program ensures equitable access through innovative solutions.
Ride United leverages the strength of United Ways, the 211 network, and our partners to address the unmet transportation needs of individuals and families across the country. Transportation Access reduces travel barriers to essential jobs, services, and more. Our partnership with Lyft enables 211 callers to request transportation to an essential location and receive a ride for free or discounted rate, while the driver is still paid at a normal rate.
Transportation Access
Launched in 2018 in partnership with Lyft, United Way Worldwide created Ride United, a transportation access initiative that leverages the strength of United Ways, the 211 Network, and partners, to provide clients in need with free rides for essential use cases.
Since 2018, Ride United: Transportation Access has been responsible for:
500K+
Completed Rides
125K+
Unique riders served
525K+
Miles ridden to essential services
How Transportation Access Works
- Step 1: Call 211 for Assistance
- Step 2: Check for Resources
- Step 3: A Ride Arrives
Step 1: Call 211 for Assistance
An individual calls 211 to request transportation assistance to access food, employment, education, veteran, housing, or financial/medical services.
Step 2: Check for Resources
The 211 specialist vets all available resources; if local transportation services are unavailable or do not exist, the 211 specialist schedules/dispatches a ride for the client.
Step 3: A Ride Arrives
The individual receives a text message when ride is on its way; Lyft drivers are paid at a normal rate and riders arrive safe to their essential appointment.
