Ride United
Reliable Transportation to Help You Get to Work
Transportation shouldn't stand between you and employment.
Ride United provides free or discounted Lyft rides to eligible ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households in Sangamon County who need transportation for employment-related activities.
United Way's ALICE Report shows that transportation is one of the biggest barriers facing working families. Whether it's getting to a job interview, completing pre-employment requirements, or making it to work while your vehicle is unavailable, Ride United helps bridge that gap.
Through a partnership between United Way of Central Illinois, 211, and Lyft, Ride United offers safe, reliable transportation for individuals who do not have access to a vehicle, public transportation, or whose vehicle is temporarily out of service.
Eligible Ride Purposes
Ride United may be used for:
- Job interviews
- Job training
- Job fairs
- Pre-employment requirements such as drug testing, fingerprinting, food handler certification, or other required appointments
- Transportation to and from work for up to five (5) days
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Ride United:
- Your ride must begin in Sangamon or Menard County.
- You must have a cell phone capable of receiving text messages.
- You must be traveling for an approved employment-related purpose.
- You must be able to enter and exit the vehicle independently, or travel with a companion who can assist you.
Ride Limits
Ride United is intended as short-term transportation assistance.
The program does not provide rides:
- Outside Sangamon or Menard County
- Estimated to cost more than $40
- For individuals under age 18 unless accompanied by an adult
- For individuals who have exceeded the annual limit of 10 one-way rides
- For anyone who has previously scheduled a Ride United trip and did not show up for the ride
How to Schedule a Ride
Call 211 and request a Ride United/Lyft ride.
A 211 specialist will confirm your eligibility and schedule your transportation. Once your ride is booked, you will receive a text message with your driver's name, vehicle information, and pickup time.
To schedule your return trip, simply call 211.
Information Needed to Schedule Your Ride
Please have the following information available:
- First and last name
- Date of birth
- Phone number
- Pickup location
- Destination
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make multiple stops during my ride?
No. Ride United provides transportation from one pickup location to one destination.
Can children ride with me?
Yes. Children may ride when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or case manager. The accompanying adult must provide the appropriate child safety seat as required by law.