Somerset, KY – 08/12/2024 – United Way of South Central Kentucky (UWSCKY) has received $25,000 to start the RIDE UNITED: TRANSPORTATION ACCESS (RUTA) program in Pulaski County. The program aims to provide free and reduced-cost rides to clients in need.
Earlier this year, Aetna Better Health of Kentucky formed a Health Council to talk with community members and leaders about needs in Pulaski County. “We are thrilled to partner with United Way of South Central Kentucky and Lyft to launch the Ride United program in Pulaski County,” said Aetna Better Health of Kentucky CEO Paige Franklin. “Access to reliable transportation is an often overlooked, but incredibly critical, determinant of positive health outcomes. We look forward to this program’s success, and are confident this public/private partnership will serve as a great example of what communities can do when they are united.”
In addition to the support of Aetna Better Health of Kentucky, UWSCKY received $5,000 in support from the Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA). “Transportation is key to moving our economy forward,” stated Chris Girdler, SPEDA’s President and CEO. “People need to be able to get to work, school, and healthcare.”
RUTA is a partnership program between United Way Worldwide and Lyft that leverages the power of local United Way and 211 agencies across the country to provide free and reduced-cost Lyft rides to help people access essential medical services, complete education programs, get to job interviews, and more. Since its inception, RUTA has served over 106,000 neighbors and has provided more than 441,000 free and discounted rides nationwide.
“We are thrilled to bring RUTA to our community,” shared Crystal Cox, executive director of the local United Way. “This will be a great way for us to partner with other organizations in the community to make sure their clients can get to everything they need to thrive.”
The RUTA program will roll out in phases beginning later this summer. If you are interested in becoming a Lyft driver, program sponsor, or volunteer, please email info@uwscky.org or call 606-679-2974.
About United Way of South Central Kentucky
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. On a worldwide level, United Way is supported by 2.9 million volunteers, 9.8 million donors worldwide and $4.7 billion raised every year and is the world’s largest privately funded nonprofit. The United Way of South Central Kentucky services ten counties and supports numerous agencies, providing more than 71,000 instances of support each year. For more information about United Way of South Central Kentucky, please follow us on Facebook @UWSCKY or visit http://www.uwscky.org.
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