Lack of transportation is one of the top barriers to financial stability for families in our community. Many families cannot afford to purchase a vehicle, or if they already have one, they can’t afford any unexpected repairs. Because of this, their employment options are severely limited. That’s why our local United Way launched Ride United to help individuals be able to get to and from work so they can stabilize their families.

Ride United is a United Way transportation gap program that began in February 2023, that provides Lyft rides for people with no other transportation options. For example, car needs repairs, no driver’s license, transit not operational when you need to get to work, etc.

How does it work? Ride United offers FREE, safe, scheduled, round-trip, LYFT rides for employees without transportation to get back and forth to work. Those in need of transportation assistance should reach out to our office at 423-968-4912 to determine eligibility and schedule a ride.

Ride scheduling is available during United Way business hours (Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Weekend and evening rides are available upon pre-scheduled request.

Eligible participants must be:

• 18 years of age and a resident of Bristol TN, Bristol VA, Bluff City TN or Blountville TN.
• Employed or starting a job in Bristol TN, Bristol VA, Bluff City TN or Blountville TN.
• Client must understand Ride United schedules and authorizes rides only. The program cannot guarantee rides will be available when I call and United Way of Bristol is not liable for any charges incurred due to missed or late arrivals.
• All rides are subject to transportation provider availability and may result in a ride not being available at the time requested.

Restrictions:

Client cannot alter the route of the ride. These rides are meant for a single or round-trip ride to and from work.

This grant is purposefully designed with low barriers to access employment. As per the grant recommendations, there is no income level to be eligible to participate in this program; however, depending on the amount of funding for the program, clients may be limited to 20 rides.

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