- Step 1: Call 211 for Assistance
An individual calls 211 to request transportation assistance to access food, employment, education, veteran, housing, or financial/medical services. - Step 2: Check for Resources
The 211 specialist vets all available resources; if local transportation services are unavailable or do not exist, the 211 specialist schedules/dispatches a ride for the client. - Step 3: A Ride Arrives
The individual receives a text message when ride is on its way; Lyft drivers are paid at a normal rate and riders arrive safe to their essential appointment.
Transporting people, driving opportunities
Transportation is a fundamental part of life, yet not everyone has equal access to it. United Way created Ride United in 2018 to address the unmet transportation needs of individuals and families and help people in need get critical rides – to food pantries, doctor’s appointments, education programs, job interviews and housing services. Our partnership with 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.
How Transportation Access Works
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Getting you where you need to go:
This free service is available to Poughkeepsie & Newburgh residents or clients of a participating agency who need transportation for any of the following areas:
- 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
- Non-emergency health services
- Job Interview
- Commute to/from Work
- Pre-Employment Needs
- Grocery Store
- Prepared/Hot Meals
- Food Pantry/Bank
- SNAP/WIC Benefits Access
- Enrollment
- Commute to/from School, Class, Daycare
- Guardian School Engagement
- Library or Internet Access
- Eviction Court
- Court Ordered Community Service
- Probation/Parole Check-in
- Court Ordered Education
- Commute to/from Court Proceedings/Counsel
- Accessing & Maintaining Benefits (vouchers, rental assistance, etc.)
- Emergency Shelter
- Utilities Assistance
- Financial Coaching/Empowerment
- Tax Preparation Services
- Essential Supplies (non-food)
- Record Obtainment (SSN, Birth/Death Cert., etc.)
- Transportation Services (DMV, car repair, etc.)
Use the application below to receive a Lyft code.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Must be unable to pay for any other transportation options
- Must have no other transportation option available through friends, family, or community organizations
- Must be a resident of Poughkeepsie or Newburgh
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Minors must be accompanied by a caseworker or parental guardian if under the age of 18. For callers with young children the caller must provide their car seat or booster seat
- You must download the LYFT app to your mobile phone to access this program
- Ride scheduling is available during operating business hours (Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.).
- Please call at least 1-hour in advance of your needed ride.
- Rides must be less than $25 each way
- Ride United is only able to provide one round trip to and from a single location
No. Ride United is able to provide one round trip ride per person