Getting around Frederick County can be difficult if someone doesn’t own a car.
But what about residents who can’t afford constant rideshare fees or live in rural areas farther away from public transportation stops?
A new nonprofit in Frederick County called Rides for Good is helping the underserved who are in need of a lift.
Rides for Good is a volunteer-based rideshare organization that offers rides for eligible Frederick County residents at a reduced or waived fee, according to the organization’s website, www.ridesforgood.org/
According to Molly Connelly, director of volunteering at Rides for Good’s parent organization Safe Ride Foundation said ride requests need to be submitted on the website five days in advance of their planned ride; then the organization will attempt to coordinate a volunteer to meet their needs.
Rides for Good’s target population is those at or below the ALICE (Asset Limited; Income-Constrained; Employed) threshold.
“All ALICE households are eligible for this service and can apply for our Good Neighbor Fund, providing them with 100% free rides,” Connelly said. “Individuals gain an ALICE status depending on their household income, number of individuals in the household, and the ages of each individual.”
Rides for Good uses a sliding scale fee system to determine the amount charged for rides for non-subsidized riders. First-time riders are expected to set up what is called a ‘transportation account’ into which they deposit a $25 registration fee and an additional $25 as an upfront contribution to cover future rides. From that point on, the fee is determined by the distance traveled during the ride.
According to Connelly that information required on applications includes monthly household income, pension, Social Security Disability Insurance, or veteran’s benefits..
As listed on the Rides for Good website’s volunteer requirements, one must be a Frederick County resident who can pass a background check and can pass a driving record check. They also must own a car that is suitably safe, clean, and insured enough to feasibly carry passengers and have two people in their life willing to vouch for their character. Once accepted, volunteers receive an hour-long training session.
“Unlike Uber or Lyft, our organization is community-based,” Connelly said. “Our volunteers are not paid. These are neighbors helping neighbors get to chemotherapy appointments, helping people put food on their table, allowing people to gain a sense of community at faith gatherings, and providing true care for each other.”
In addition to providing rides, one of Rides for Good’s objectives as an organization is to determine patterns of need in Frederick County in terms of demand for further transportation services. She said volunteers pay for their own gas and vehicle utilities while completing the rides. They may claim their completed mileage from the IRS at the end of the year.”
Rides for Good collects and analyzes personal data from riders. The organization’s leaders plan to compile data that will inform local policymakers of how to go about attempting to provide for at-risk demographics in Frederick County
“The analyzed data will show us how race, gender, income level, disability status, veteran status, age, etc. are correlated with needed services, and recognize areas that are home to disadvantaged groups,” Connelly said. This data insight will allow for public policy to more effectively provide equity in Frederick County.”
