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Ride United Transportation Access
A Steppingstone to Regaining Reliable Transportation
Ride United Transportation Access (RUTA)
The Ride United program, a collaboration between United Way and Lyft, is here to help those in our community who are struggling with transportation barriers. We understand that for many, getting to essential services like healthcare, employment, or the grocery store can be a challenge. That’s why Ride United is helping provide free or reduced Lyft rides to Indian River County residents who need it most, helping them get to medical appointments, job interviews, work, and other critical destinations.
*Drivers are not employed through United Way; they are local community members employed by Lyft.
How Does it Work?
Ride United offers temporary, pre-scheduled LYFT rides to connect Indian River County residents to education, employment, health care and other critical services. Those in need of transportation assistance should reach out to United Way of Indian River County to determine eligibility and/or schedule a ride.
- Ride scheduling is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4 PM
- Rides must be scheduled at least 1 business day in advance of your needed ride
- Rides needed outside of business hours are still available upon pre-scheduled request
*Individual ride requests may be denied due to limited funding or misuse of services.
ELIGIBILITY
This free service is available to Indian River County residents who need transportation for any of the following areas:
- Health appointments
- Employment opportunities
- Procurement of food
- Education
- Legal
- Housing
- Economic stability
- Post-Disaster Relief Resources
To schedule a ride, you:
- 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 Indian River County
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Minors must be accompanied by an adult if under the age of 18. For callers with young children the caller must provide their car seat or booster seat
Please note that rides are not provided for convenience purposes, such as avoiding bus rides, but are intended for individuals who need assistance reaching vital services. This program is designed to support those facing transportation challenges. If you are in need of this service, we encourage you to utilize it, but kindly refrain from using it if it is not essential for your needs. Thank you for understanding.
ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Community Coach: provides door-to-door transportation for eligible riders with no other means of transportation. Community Coach operates as a shared-ride service that makes stops along the way to your destination. (772)569-0903 – Visit the website
GoLine: Indian River County’s public transit system that offers zero-fare and convenient transportation options for individuals of all ages. (772)569-0903 – Visit the website
Indian River County Volunteer Ambulance Squad: Volunteer medical transportation organization providing free non-emergency transportation for ambulatory individuals and wheelchair users traveling to and from medical appointments within Indian River County. (772) 231-1230 – Visit the website.
Veterans Transportation Services: Courtesy shuttle rides for the veteran and their caregivers from Indian River County to the West Palm Beach VA medical center and local medical appointments.772-226-1695
Medicaid Transportation Services: contact your Medicaid managed care plan to inquire about transportation benefits