Good NestingIf so, you’ll be glad to know that transportation assistance is out there for low-income households.
Can you guess how much the average low-income household spends on transportation? According to the Leadership Conference Education Fund, here’s the answer: 42 percent of their income.
Now, if you spend 42 percent of what you make on transportation, that still leaves your rent, utilities, food, and other expenses to be paid. Do you think you can survive with such high transportation costs? Of course, not, which is why there are many ways to get transportation at a discount or even free for low-income people who qualify. Here are some examples:
Lyft
You may know Lyft as Uber’s main rival. And while they do offer rides from A to B for everyday people who pay, Lyft also offers various low-income transportation services for people in need.
For starters, Lyft has a Jobs Access Program that helps people get to job interviews, training, and work. It does so by offering free car rides or loans bikes or scooters out at no cost.
However, that’s not all Lyft has to offer, as the company also has a Grocery Access Program that takes low-income clients to and from grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
To see if these programs are available near you, visit the LyftUp programs page.
211
If you ever need housing, food, healthcare, bill-paying, or transportation assistance, give 211 a call. The line will connect you with a local operator who knows all about nearby assistance programs.
As far as transportation goes, a 211 operator may know of local volunteer programs that offer free rides. These could come from churches, community centers, and the like.
TANF
Do you receive cash benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program? If so, then you should contact your state agency to see if they also offer free transportation. In some areas, they do.
Medicaid
One area where you can’t skimp on transportation is healthcare. If you need to get to a doctor’s office, you’ll have to pay whatever it costs for the ride, so your health doesn’t suffer.
Luckily, you don’t have to pay for rides to and from medical providers if you receive Medicaid, as it’s a perk that comes with the free healthcare program from the government.
Your caseworker can guide you through Medicaid’s complimentary transportation service. But before using it, know that you’ll have to schedule your rides in advance, whether they’re via car, van, public transportation, or taxi.
Public Transportation
Speaking of public transportation, your local transit system may offer free or discounted rides on its buses, trains, and more. To find out if such affordable service is available in your area, you’ll have to contact your public transit system or the nearest social services department.
Bike And Scooter Share Programs
If you don’t mind a more active or independent form of transportation, you could enjoy low-income discounts from bike and scooter share programs. Google such programs in your city, then contact the providers to ask for discounts.
