Then keep reading, as we’ll reveal what it takes to qualify for free transportation.
Gas prices have skyrocketed. And if you’ve been in the market for a car, good luck with getting a great deal, as both new and used car prices have gone through the roof as well.
Yes, transportation can be costly, and that’s even if you take the public route. But if you’re living on a limited income, there’s good news, as you may qualify for free transportation via various sources. Let’s take a look at some now.
Public Transit
Some people prefer public transportation since it’s a low-cost alternative to owning a car. But if money’s tight, you may even find public transit to be too much for your already tight budget.
That’s where discounts can save the day, as many public transit systems offer discounts to low-income riders. Contact your nearest transit system or social services department to see if such discounts are available in your area. They should be able to point you in the right direction so you can start saving soon. And if you get really lucky, you may even qualify for free rides.
Lyft
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are extremely popular nowadays. They’re quick, convenient, and usually a lot more affordable than your typical taxi. Still, you may find rideshare services to be too expensive for your taste, which is why you should give LyftUp programs a stronger look.
As you can tell by the name, these programs come from Lyft, Uber’s top competitor. Depending on where you live, you could get free rides to and from the farmers’ markets and the grocery store thanks to Lyft’s Grocery Access Program. And if you need free rides to work, a job interview, or even training for a couple of weeks, Lyft’s Job Access Program could fill that void.
To see if any such programs are available near you, go here.
Medicaid
Do you get free healthcare via Medicaid? While that can keep your medical costs low, it can also help with your transportation expenses. How? By giving you free rides to and from medical providers via van, car, taxi, or public transportation.
Medicaid makes it easy to get to your doctor’s appointments without paying out of pocket for transportation. Just know that you’ll have to schedule those free rides in advance, and you may have to share a van or bus with other riders.
Local Programs
What do senior centers, community centers, and local religious organizations have in common?
They tend to offer free transportation to those in need with the help of volunteers. To see if such transportation options are available in your city, call 211 and ask for free ride services for low-income households.
TANF
If you’re not familiar with TANF, it stands for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. It’s a government assistance program that offers cash benefits to families in need, and in some cases, it provides complimentary transportation.
Section 8 Assist
