Need a Ride? Relief Rides Can Help Connect You to Essential Services
Transportation can be a major barrier when you need to get to work, pick up groceries, or make an important medical appointment. For residents of Fall River and New Bedford who have limited transportation options, a partnership between United Way. Mass 2-1-1, and Lyft is helping fill some of those gaps.
Through the Relief Rides program, eligible individuals may receive limited free Lyft rides when no other local transportation resource is available. The program is designed to provide short-term assistance for essential needs, including food access, employment, and non-emergency healthcare appointments.
Transportation for Essential Needs
Relief Rides can help qualifying individuals get to places such as:
- Food resources: Food pantries, grocery stores, and SNAP application appointments
- Employment: Short-term transportation to work
- Healthcare: Non-emergency medical appointments, pharmacies, mental health services, ER discharge, and health insurance navigation
The program is intended for short-term transportation needs, rather than ongoing transportation. Individuals may qualify for up to one week of employment-related transportation, while rides may also be available for food access and medical appointments.
How to Find Out If You Qualify
If you are in need of transportation and don't have another local resource available, help is just a phone call away.
Dial 2-1-1 or 877-211-6277 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. A 2-1-1 operator can determine whether you may be eligible for a Relief Ride and help connect you with available transportation resources.
Eligible rides can often be arranged immediately, sometimes while you're speaking with a 2-1-1 operator. Rides can also be scheduled up to 48 hours in advance, including return trips when appropriate.
For individuals who are new to Lyft, 2-1-1 operators can explain how to accept and connect with a Lyft driver. Riders will need a phone with text messaging capabilities because Lyft sends ride updates and driver information by text.
If transportation is standing between you and the food, healthcare, or employment you need, don't let that barrier stop you. Dial 2-1-1 to find out if a Relief Ride may be available to you.
Mass 2-1-1 is able to assist callers in over 150+ languages.
Relief Rides are a partnership between United Way of Greater Fall River, United Way of Greater New Bedford, Mass 211, and Lyft.