Ride United

Free rides. Real impact.

Ride United is a pilot program from United Way of Central Iowa designed to temporarily bridge transportation gaps while individuals work toward establishing a reliable means of getting where they need to go. The program provides short-term support for accessing essential services, such as medical appointments, job interviews, food pantries, or shelters when transportation challenges could otherwise stand in the way. 

 

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Ride United leverages the strength of United Way, the 211 network, and our partners to address the unmet transportation needs of individuals and families across our communities. This service reduces travel barriers to a wide range of critical needs, including access to essential needs services such as food pantries, medical appointments, legal services, employment services, education services, and housing services. Our partnership with United Way Worldwide and 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.

This program is not intended to be the sole source of transportation for participants, but rather a supplemental option to help fill gaps when other means are unavailable or impractical. Please continue to use the following resources if they are available:

 

This pilot program is made possible by a one-time investment. Future availability will depend on usage, funding, and impact.

Program details

 

So how does it work?

Step 1: Call 211 for Assistance

Call 211 and request transportation for essential services such as health appointments, employment, housing, and more. Identify that you are with the Ride United Central Iowa program. 211 asks for personal information to better understand the caller's unique situation and to ensure the most appropriate resources are provided. Translation and accessibility services are available. Please call 30-60 minutes before desired pickup time. 

Step 2: Check Eligibility

The 211 Community Resource Specialist reviews all available resources. If local transportation services are unavailable or do not exist, the 211 Community Resource Specialist dispatches a ride for the client based on Lyft driver availability.

Step 3: A Ride Arrives

211 Community Resource Specialist will inform the caller on the model and color of the Lyft vehicle, including the driver’s name. The rider will also receive a text message on the mobile number provided.

While the program itself may remain active, individual ride requests may be denied due to limited funding or misuse of services.

>> Listen to a sample 211 call

 

RIDER ELIGIBILITY

  • The program currently supports each eligible rider for a limited number of rides. Your 211 specialist can tell you how many rides you have remaining.
  • Rider must have a valid use case for transportation services (see categories below).
  • Rides are for those who don’t have other transportation options, such as help from friends, family, or services like DART or HIRTA.
  • Rider must be within Dallas, Polk, or Warren counties. Note that Lyft services might not be available in all areas of the service area.
  • Drivers are unable to change the drop-off address or make stops along routes. 
  • Ride must be a reasonable distance (rides will be capped at $30 per trip).
  • Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a caseworker or parental guardian. Riders with young children must provide their car seat or booster seat.

Eligible Ride Categories

  • Food

    • Grocery Store
    • Prepared/Hot Meals
    • Food Pantry/Bank
    • SNAP/WIC Benefits Access 

  • Housing

    • Accessing & Maintaining Benefits (vouchers, rental assistance, etc.)
    • Emergency Shelter
    • Utilities Assistance 

  • Employment

    • Job Interview
    • Commute to/from Work
    • Pre-Employment Needs
    • Technology Acquisition 

  • Health

    • Medical/Dental/Eye Appt & Testing
    • Substance Use Support
    • Mental Health Support/Community Support
    • Apply for Medicare/Medicaid/CHIP Services
    • Return Home from ER
    • Veterans Affairs Services
    • Pharmacy Services
    • Inoculation Appointments 

  • Education

    • Enrollment
    • Commute to/from School, Class, Daycare
    • Guardian School Engagement
    • Library or Internet Access
    • Technology Acquisition 

  • Legal

    • Eviction Court
    • Court Ordered Community Service
    • Probation/Parole Check-in
    • Court Ordered Education
    • Commute to/from Court
    • Proceedings/Counsel
    • Record Expungement 

  • Economic Stability

    • Financial Coaching/Empowerment
    • Tax Preparation Services
    • Essential Supplies (non-food)
    • Record Obtainment (SSN, Birth/Death Cert., etc.)
    • Transportation Services (DMV, car repair, etc.)