211 Operator in blue shirt
Community Resiliency

Ride United

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. We reduce 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.

Access to Transportation

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:

125K+

unique riders served

500K+

completed rides

525K+

miles ridden to essential services

How Ride United Works

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 makes a difference.

Man working in a field
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.

Need Help?

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