Commuters in the Bay Area who don't use a private vehicle may be able to get a free ride home in the event of an emergency, thanks to free guaranteed ride home programs in all nine counties.
Each program has its own rules and details – and some require pre-registration before using the program. Check out the Guaranteed Ride Home Programs page on 511.org, or click the links below for full program details for each county.
Alameda County
The Alameda County Transportation Commission’s Guaranteed Ride Home Program is available to all permanent employees (full time or part time) employed within Alameda County, regardless of residence. Pre-register before using the program for a reimbursement up to $125.
Contra Costa County
Those who work or attend college in Contra Costa County and commute by walking, biking or ridesharing are eligible for the Contra Costa County Guaranteed Ride Home Program. Pre-register for the program for up to six emergency trips per year. The first two rides are reimbursable up to $150, with subsequent trips reimbursable up to $100 per ride.
Marin County
Marin County workers and college students commuting by public transit, carpool/vanpool, or by walking or biking are eligible for the Marin Emergency Ride Home Program. Pre-registration is not required, and those who use the program submit up to four trips of $125 each per year, for a maximum reimbursement of $500 per year.
Napa County
Napa Valley Transportation Authority’s Guaranteed Ride Home Program is available to people living, work or attend college in Napa County. Pre-register for V-Commute to take advantage of up to four rides per year. Reimbursable up to $100 per trip.
Santa Clara County
Valley Transportation Authority covers up to $125 per trip (to a maximum of six trips or $500 per year) for adults using a sustainable mode of transportation to get to work, college or adult education classes in Santa Clara County. Sign up on the Guaranteed Ride Home Portal to submit a reimbursement request within 30 days of an emergency ride.
San Francisco County
Adults who work in San Francisco and commute by transit, carpool, walking, biking, or by taking a shared car, moped, scooter or bike, may be able to be reimbursed up to $150 for a taxi ride by the San Francisco Environment Department’s Emergency Ride Home Program.
San Mateo County
Workers and college students in San Mateo County traveling by walking, biking, carpool/vanpool, transit or shuttle may be able to use the Guaranteed Ride Home Program in San Mateo County. Visit Commute.org to pre-register for a CommuteStar account, and be reimbursed up to $60 per trip (up to four trips per calendar year).
Solano County
Those who travel to or from Solano County for work, and take transit or carpool/vanpool can take advantage of the Solano Mobility Guaranteed Ride Home Program. Pre-registration is required. Get reimbursed up to $100 per trip, up to six times per year (maximum three trips per month). There is a similar program dedicated to Solano Express commuters.
Sonoma County
The Sonoma County Transportation Authority Emergency Ride Home Program applies to those who work or go to college in Sonoma County, and get there by walking, biking, transit or carpool/vanpool. Pre-registration is not required. Up to four trips per year can be reimbursed, each up to $125 (may not be more than $500 per year).
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