Emergency Ride Home Program

Commuters who share a ride to work, use transit, walk or bike have a common concern, "What do I do in an emergency?" For commuters in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties who are enrolled in our free service, an Emergency Ride Home is the answer.  This page will answer most of your questions on the program.  

To enroll click here, call 1.866.579.RIDE or Email us today.

What is an Emergency Ride Home*?

A free ride home in a qualified emergency for commuters who use options other than commuting alone in their personal vehicles.

Who can use an ERH?

Anyone who commutes to work at least twice a week by transit, carpool, vanpool, bicycle, or walking, and lives or works in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry or York Counties.

What is a “qualified emergency?” *

An unexpected personal illness/emergency, unexpected immediate family illness/emergency, or unscheduled overtime at your supervisor’s request. Immediate family is husband, wife, child, brother, sister or parent. Also – if a commuter’s carpool driver has a qualified emergency or supervisor-approved, unexpected overtime.

What doesn’t qualify?

Trips like personal errands, non-emergency medical appointments, business-related travel, working overtime without a supervisor’s approval, on-the-job injury, weather-related events, transportation system delays, utility system failures, and building closings.

Where can commuters go on their ride?

Qualified destinations are to their home, vehicle (if parked at a transit station or carpool/vanpool pick up site), child’s school or daycare, or a medical facility. Trips may also include several stops, such as to the child’s school, a medical facility, and then home.

How are employees transported?

The commuter decides how they are transported, for example by taxi, transit, car rental or by a co-worker. Reimbursement is based on the receipted fare or the equivalent of the IRS rate for mileage reimbursement – 48.5 cents per mile for 2007.

Is there a limit on free rides?

A maximum of six (6) ERHs per calendar year per commuter.

Who pays for the ride?

The commuter pays for the ride and is reimbursed by Commuter Services for qualified rides. If their employer is enrolled in our program, the employer can pay for any emergency rides home and the employer will be reimbursed by Commuter Services. Ask your employer if they participate in this program or Email or call Commuter Services for more information.

A reimbursement form is available here or by calling 1.866.579.RIDE.

What about taxi tips?

Tips are reimbursed by Commuter Services. We ask that commuters use discretion when tipping.

Who coordinates the ride?

Individual commuters can find and coordinate their own transportation for their ERH trip(s). Participating employers identify a coordinator, who arranges for ERHs and gives employees cash (or equivalent) to pay for rides. An employee takes and pays for the ERH, then submits any receipts to their ERH coordinator. If employees must track mileage, they do so under their employer’s travel reimbursement policies.

How are trips reimbursed?

Commuters or employers simply submit their reimbursement form and any accompanying receipts to Commuter Services by fax or mail within thirty (30) days following any trip. Commuter Services may contact the commuter or employer to verify information and eligibility. Please allow 45 days for reimbursement.

How do commuters and employers enroll?

Click here or contact Commuter Services by Email or calling 1.866.579.RIDE, which maintains and updates a confidential enrollee database.

*Note: ERH is not to be used to access emergency medical care in lieu of ambulance or other appropriate medical transport service or for work-related injuries.