All Bay Area counties have a free Guaranteed Ride Home Program. If you commute 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 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 (you do not need to live in Alameda County). Pre-register before using the program and receive 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. Be sure to submit for reimbursement within 30 days of your ride.
Marin County
People who work or are enrolled in college 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. Be sure to log your trip on the day that you take it, and submit for reimbursement within two weeks.
Santa Clara County
Valley Transportation Authority covers up to $125 per trip (to a maximum of six trips or $500 per year) for people 18 years and older who use a sustainable mode of transportation to get to work, college or adult education courses in Santa Clara County. Sign up on the Guaranteed Ride Home Portal and submit your reimbursement request within 30 days of your 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 (up to four times per year) by the San Francisco Environment Department’s Emergency Ride Home Program. Take a participating taxi (Uber/Lyft do not qualify) and submit your receipts within 30 days of your ride.
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. You can be reimbursed up to $60 per trip (up to four trips per calendar year); be sure to log your ride on the day you take it and submit receipts within two weeks.
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.
Sonoma County
The Sonoma County Transportation Authority Emergency Ride Home Program has adults 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 within 30 days of the trip, each up to $125 (may not be more than $500 per year).
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