Lyft Offers Free Rides To Qualified Individuals In Anne Arundel

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Lyft has partnered with United Way of Central Maryland to offer rides to qualified residents in need of transportation to medical appointments, work, groceries and other reasons who reside in Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Baltimore County and Baltimore City.

United Way Worldwide launched Ride United, a transportation access initiative that will help those in need overcome transportation barriers, in September 2019. To be eligible for Lyft rides, callers must meet predetermined need requirements. Rides will be provided for food access, employment and medical needs, and public benefits access.

“Each month, thousands of requests come through the 211 Maryland United Way Helpline,” said Franklyn Baker, president and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland, in a statement. “Our team is able to connect them to the services they need, but callers can’t always access these services because of transportation restrictions, including lack of access to a vehicle or nearby public transportation, or because they lack the funds for a taxi or ride share. Thanks to Ride United, United Way of Central Maryland and the other United Way markets can now provide free rides to help people get where they need to go.

“Here in Central Maryland and across the United States, a lack of reliable, safe, convenient transportation hinders people’s ability to get to critical doctor appointments, get to work or go to job interviews, shop for healthy food, apply for public benefits and generally thrive in their communities. To date, our organization has provided more than $16,000 in rides to eligible callers,” added Baker.

Those interested in supporting Ride United or learning more can visit www.uwcm.org/rideunited. Lyft customers can also select United Way as their partner of choice for Lyft’s Round Up & Donate program, donating the difference between their total ride cost and the next whole dollar to Ride United. Individuals in need of assistance are encouraged to dial 211 to speak to a local specialist about available resources, or to visit www.211.org for more contact options.