A new ride option is helping seniors stay connected—here’s how to use it
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If getting around town has become more difficult lately, you’re not alone.
Ongoing public transit service cuts have made it harder for many older adults to reach appointments, pick up prescriptions, and stay active in their communities.
But a new partnership is offering a timely solution—and it won’t cost you a dime.
With the help of local organizations, Uber is now offering free rides to eligible seniors to help bridge the transportation gap.
Whether or not you use a smartphone, there’s a way to take part in this program and get where you need to go.
Recent reductions to Philadelphia’s public transit services—especially to bus and rail lines—have made getting around the city more challenging.
In August, 32 bus routes were cut and another 16 were shortened, with the Broad-Ridge Spur subway line and several regional rail services also placed on hold.
While some routes are being temporarily restored for students, more permanent cuts are possible if state lawmakers don’t finalize a budget soon.
For many seniors who rely on public transportation to live independently, the impact has been deeply felt.
To support older adults in Philadelphia affected by these changes, Uber has partnered with two Philadelphia-based nonprofits—ACHIEVEability and the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation (OARC)—to offer free rides for qualifying seniors.
The program is open to individuals aged 65 or older and is designed to help you reach essential destinations like medical appointments, pharmacies, and grocery stores.
Here’s how it works:
As Rep. Morgan Cephas explained, the goal is to “help ensure older Philadelphians can maintain their independence and dignity, while preserving their quality of life.”
Whether or not you’re tech-savvy, claiming your free ride is simple:
For smartphone users:
For non-smartphone users:
A staff member will assist you by phone.
For everyone:
The program is intended for essential trips like:
If you're unsure whether your ride qualifies, simply ask the staff member when scheduling.
While this Uber initiative is making a difference, the broader issue remains unresolved.
A temporary injunction has paused additional cuts for now, but without a finalized state budget, further reductions—including earlier rail curfews and more route eliminations—may still be on the table.
Programs like this are a helpful stopgap, but many seniors are still calling for long-term solutions that ensure reliable, affordable public transportation.
Read next: Is a car still worth it in retirement? Cities where it pays off
Have you used the free Uber ride service yet? Has the decline in transit options made your daily errands more complicated? We’d love to hear from you.
Share your experiences in the comments—your story could help others navigate these changes or learn about resources they didn’t know existed.
Ongoing public transit service cuts have made it harder for many older adults to reach appointments, pick up prescriptions, and stay active in their communities.
But a new partnership is offering a timely solution—and it won’t cost you a dime.
With the help of local organizations, Uber is now offering free rides to eligible seniors to help bridge the transportation gap.
Whether or not you use a smartphone, there’s a way to take part in this program and get where you need to go.
Free ride programs are helping older adults stay connected to essential services when public transit options are limited. Image Source: Pexels / Mehmet KOÇYİĞİT.
What’s happening with transit cuts
Recent reductions to Philadelphia’s public transit services—especially to bus and rail lines—have made getting around the city more challenging.
In August, 32 bus routes were cut and another 16 were shortened, with the Broad-Ridge Spur subway line and several regional rail services also placed on hold.
While some routes are being temporarily restored for students, more permanent cuts are possible if state lawmakers don’t finalize a budget soon.
For many seniors who rely on public transportation to live independently, the impact has been deeply felt.
Also read: Are you missing out? Discover 7 free and discounted programs for Social Security recipients
How the free ride program works
To support older adults in Philadelphia affected by these changes, Uber has partnered with two Philadelphia-based nonprofits—ACHIEVEability and the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation (OARC)—to offer free rides for qualifying seniors.
The program is open to individuals aged 65 or older and is designed to help you reach essential destinations like medical appointments, pharmacies, and grocery stores.
Here’s how it works:
- If you have a smartphone: You’ll receive a special Uber voucher or promo code to use in the app.
- If you don’t have a smartphone: You can call one of the partner organizations, and they’ll help schedule a ride for you—no app needed.
As Rep. Morgan Cephas explained, the goal is to “help ensure older Philadelphians can maintain their independence and dignity, while preserving their quality of life.”
Also read: Unlock the secrets to online safety: Free tech classes for seniors reveal essential digital skills
Step-by-step: how to claim your ride
Whether or not you’re tech-savvy, claiming your free ride is simple:
For smartphone users:
- Look for announcements from senior centers, healthcare providers, or local groups with instructions on how to receive your Uber voucher.
- Enter the voucher or promo code in your Uber app and book a ride as usual.
For non-smartphone users:
- If you live in West Philadelphia, call ACHIEVEability at (215) 748-8838 or visit their website.
- If you live in Northwest Philadelphia, you can call OARC at (215) 549-9462 for further instructions.
A staff member will assist you by phone.
For everyone:
- Know someone who could benefit from this service? Share the info! A quick phone call or conversation could make someone’s week.
Also read: Discover New York's Best-Kept Secret to a Stress-Free Commute!
What kinds of trips are eligible?
The program is intended for essential trips like:
- Medical appointments
- Pharmacy visits
- Grocery shopping
- Other critical errands
If you're unsure whether your ride qualifies, simply ask the staff member when scheduling.
Looking ahead: will transit cuts get worse?
While this Uber initiative is making a difference, the broader issue remains unresolved.
A temporary injunction has paused additional cuts for now, but without a finalized state budget, further reductions—including earlier rail curfews and more route eliminations—may still be on the table.
Programs like this are a helpful stopgap, but many seniors are still calling for long-term solutions that ensure reliable, affordable public transportation.
Read next: Is a car still worth it in retirement? Cities where it pays off
Have you used the free Uber ride service yet? Has the decline in transit options made your daily errands more complicated? We’d love to hear from you.
Share your experiences in the comments—your story could help others navigate these changes or learn about resources they didn’t know existed.
