Woman Collecting Essentials
Community Resiliency

Ride United

Ride United connects eligible individuals and families to transportation assistance through United Way, the 211 network, and trusted partners. 

Together, we're helping remove transportation barriers and getting people to essential services and resources.

Need a Ride?

If you're having trouble getting to work, health care, school, the grocery store, or another important destination, help may be available through United Way's Ride United program. 

Thanks to generous support from GM and our partnership with Lyft, eligible riders can get free or low-cost rides to essential services.

Connect with 211 or your local United Way to learn about transportation assistance and other local services that may be available to you.

 Connect with 211           Find Your Local United Way

What You Can Do

Get Help

Do you need to take advantage of Ride United? Find 211 near you and see if Ride United is available. 

Reach out to your local United Way

Contact your local United Way to see if Ride United is available. 

Support United Way

Your generous donation will be directed where it is needed most to help build a future where every person in every community can thrive.

Access to Transportation

Launched in 2018 in partnership with Lyft, Ride United is a transportation access initiative, supported by GM, that connects people to essential services through the strength of United Way, the 211 network, and trusted partners.

178.5K+

unique riders served

726.8K+

completed rides

1M+

miles traveled to essential services

How Ride United Works

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Ride United helps people overcome transportation barriers. Through local United Ways and 211 — plus support from corporate partners — Ride United helps connect eligible individuals to rides for essential needs such as medical appointments, employment, education, food access, and other critical services.

    Through Ride United, more than 727,000 rides — totaling more than 1 million miles — have helped people reach important destinations and services that would have been inaccessible without transportation. 

     

  • There is not a single national application process. Transportation assistance availability varies by location. Contacting 211 or your local United Way is the best way to learn about resources available in your community.
     

  • For many people, reliable transportation is essential to everyday life. Without it, getting to work, attending medical appointments, accessing child care, buying groceries, or connecting to community services can become difficult or impossible. 

    Transportation challenges can be especially significant for people living in rural communities, people with disabilities, and households facing financial hardship.

  • Contact 211 or your local United Way to discuss your transportation needs. A specialist will assess eligibility and determine available transportation options in your community.

    If you qualify, your local United Way or 211 may arrange a ride on your behalf or provide a Lyft Pass that allows you to request rides through the Lyft app. You'll receive updates when your ride is on the way.

  • Ride United may support transportation for essential needs, including:

    • Medical appointments
    • Employment and job interviews
    • Education and training
    • Food access, such as trips to food pantries
    • Social and community services

    Available trip purposes vary by community and local program guidelines.

  • Ride United is made possible through the generous support of corporate partners, local investment, and community support. 

    • Partner with us as a corporate partner, organization or individual. 
    • Contact your United Way to learn how you can contribute, partner, volunteer, or help expand transportation access in your community.

  • Ride United operates in communities across the United States through local United Ways and 211 organizations. Program availability, eligibility requirements, and ride options vary by location. 

    Contact 211 or reach out to your local United Way to learn what's available in your area.
     

People peruse onions, cabbages and other vegetables at a farmer's market.
Ride United

Helping People Get Healthy

Being healthy isn’t just about health care. Experts say the things that keep us the healthiest, happen outside the doctor’s offices. 

But not everyone has the same access to doctors, fresh foods, or outdoor spaces for physical activity. 

See How Ride United Helps
A mom with a baby on her laps sits with a medical professional who is turning the page of a book.
Ride United

Transportation for Health Care Visits

Across the nation, transportation barriers continue to be a leading social determinant of health, impacting everything from access to health care to getting good jobs and obtaining healthy food. 

Research has shown transportation barriers — including lack of a car or driver and insufficient access to buses and other public transportation — are harmful for both communities and individuals.

Read How Change Happens

Need Help?

If you or someone you know needs help, connect with 211 here or dial 2-1-1.

Visit 211.org