As the COVID-19 crisis continues to wreak havoc on businesses and economies, tens of millions are unemployed and underemployed, and certain vulnerable populations have been left particularly exposed to the virus and less prepared to withstand the financial strain of the pandemic.
Today, as cities across North America contemplate reopening and rebuilding their local economies, we’re announcing the expansion of our Jobs Access Program with Goodwill and United Way. Now available in 20 major cities, the Jobs Access Program is designed to provide individuals access to the transportation they need to get to a job opportunity. A ride — whether it's on a Lyft bike, scooter, or rideshare — can go a long way towards supporting an individual’s economic mobility and recovery.
For the first time, bikes and scooters will be a transportation option for participants in the Jobs Access Program cities where Lyft operates bikes and scooters. This includes Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Francisco.
Additionally, we’re now offering a direct way for individuals to get involved through our new online Jobs Access Hub. Whether you’re in need of a ride or you want to donate and support others, the Jobs Access Hub makes it easy to take action. Qualifying individuals can use the Hub to see if a ride is available, and if so, Goodwill or United Way will distribute the ride credits.
For the unemployed and underemployed, reliable transportation to a job interview, a job training, or the first few weeks of work can mean the difference between successful, long-term employment and lost opportunities. Our partners at Goodwill and United Way have a long history of offering job seekers support that sets them up for success, including preparing, interviewing, and getting to work.
Lyft first launched its Jobs Access Program in 2019 and in the program’s first year, Lyft provided over 20,000 rides through its partners.
“I had no way to get to my interview this morning. I researched alternative transportation methods and found the Lyft program through United Way. I was able to schedule a ride to and from my interview and felt at ease that I would be on time. If the program did not exist, I probably would have not been able to interview for this opportunity and advance my career. I am very thankful for the program's existence.” - Houston program participant
“Access to transportation can often make or break a person’s ability to move forward in life,” said Steve Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “The partnership through Lyft’s Jobs Access Program will provide many Goodwill participants with free transportation to job interviews, career resources and the first weeks of a new job — giving them paths to new beginnings. Lyft riders will also have the option to donate or round up the cost of their rides, to support local Goodwill employment placement programs that help job seekers. Millions who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 are those who can least afford it. Our friends at Lyft are helping us ensure that those job seekers can receive job skills and other critical support so that they can obtain employment to support themselves and their families.”
“With unemployment claims in August reaching nearly tens of millions across North America, it is all hands on deck to help people everywhere get access to work so that they continue to take care of their families and pay their bills,” said Suzanne McCormick, U.S. President, United Way. “We are grateful for strong partnerships like that with Lyft’s Job Access Program, so that United Way and 211 can help get more people back to work.”
LyftUp is our comprehensive effort to expand transportation access to those who need it most. Through LyftUp, we partner with leading nonprofits to help provide free and discounted rides to individuals and families who lack affordable, reliable transportation.
Join us by visiting our Jobs Access Hub to give help or get help.