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