United Way Worldwide, in partnership with Lyft, launched the Ride United initiative to address unmet transportation needs for individuals and families in communities across the country, by providing free Lyft rides to eligible 211 callers.
211 Arizona has partnered with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health and Arizona Public Service (APS) to offer rides to cooling centers, respite centers, and hydration station sites during Arizona’s hot summer months.
Rides may be provided to:
- Cooling Centers: Indoor, air-conditioned locations that offer hydration.
- Respite Centers: Indoor, air-conditioned locations that offer hydration and allow for uninterrupted rest, sitting, or lying down (depending on each facility) during hours of operation.
- Hydration Station Sites: Locations where individuals can go to receive bottled water and other collected donated items. These can be indoors or outdoors.
Clients:
- Must be in a Lyft Service Area with a Cooling Center, Respite Center, or Hydration Station Site
- Must be 18 years or older (unless accompanied by a parent/guardian)
- Must be able to get into and out of a car, on their own, and without assistance
- Must comply with Lyft’s Health Safety Commitment
| Lyft Service Area* | |||||
| Anthem | Florence | Lake Havasu City | Phoenix | Sun City | Yuma |
| Apache Junction | Fountain Hills | Laveen | Prescott | Surprise | |
| Casa Grande | Gilbert | Maricopa | Safford | Tempe | |
| Cave Creek | Glendale | Mesa | San Tan Valley | Tuba City | |
| Chandler | Goodyear | Oro Valley | Scottsdale | Tucson | |
| Flagstaff | Kingman | Peoria | Show Low | Wickenburg | |
*Ride dispatching may occur in any major metro area covered by the participating 211 as long as there is adequate Lyft Driver supply. These cities listed have been designated as having adequate Lyft Driver supply.
More information can be found on the website https://211arizona.org/crisis/heat-relief/transportation/.