Did you know that eight of the nine Bay Area counties offer a free guaranteed ride home program? If you commute to work or college without using a private vehicle, you may be able to get a no-cost ride home in the event of an emergency or unexpected event.
If you have a medical or family emergency, or are unable to take your usual mode of transportation home, you can apply for reimbursement through several county programs.
Each program has its own rules and details – and some require pre-registration before you can take advantage of the program. Bookmark the Guaranteed Ride Home Programs page on 511.org, and read on and click the links below for full program details.
Alameda County
The Alameda County Transportation Commission’s Guaranteed Ride Home Program is available to all permanent employees who are employed within Alameda County (regardless of where you live). Pre-register before using the program, for a reimbursement up to $125.
Contra Costa County
If you work or attend college in Contra Costa County, and commute by walking, biking or ridesharing, you 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.
Marin County
People who work in Marin County who commute 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 you may 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 who work or attend college in Napa County. Pre-register to take advantage of up to four rides per year. Reimbursable up to $100 per trip.
Solano County
If you travel to or from Solano County for work, and take transit or carpool/vanpool, you 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.
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 by the San Francisco Environment Department’s Emergency Ride Home Program.
San Mateo County
Workers and college students in San Mateo County who travel 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/guaranteed-ride (scroll to the bottom of the page) to pre-register, and then you can be reimbursed up to $60 per trip (up to four trips per calendar year).
Sonoma County
The Sonoma County Transportation Authority Emergency Ride Home Program has you covered in an emergency if you 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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