Commute PA’s Emergency Ride Home (ERH) program is a free reimbursement for a ride home from work or school in the event of a qualified emergency.
The ERH program is for commuters in Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York counties using a green mode to travel to work or school; such as carpooling, vanpooling, taking transit, biking, or walking. Before requesting a reimbursement, review the short list of eligibility requirements listed below.
An Emergency Ride Home is available to those who:
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Are enrolled in Commute PA prior to the emergency.
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Have a completed Commute PA profile with home and work or school locations.
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Are recording at least two green trips per week
to work or school.
In the event of a qualified emergency, follow these steps to use the ERH program:
Questions? Check out the FAQ’s below for more details.
What are the types of transportation allowed for the emergency ride?
Commuters can choose how to get home on the day of the emergency. Options include taxi, Uber, Lyft, transit (for those who do not use transit as their normal green mode), rental car, or a ride provided by a co-worker, friend or family member.
How much will I be reimbursed?
Reimbursement is based on the receipted fare, including an appropriate amount for a tip and up to $100 per trip.
How am I reimbursed if I receive a ride from a co-worker, friend, or family member?
This will be reimbursed based on the round trip miles traveled and will be calculated using the current IRS mileage rate reimbursement. Be sure to have your driver track the miles driven, and please provide their contact information on the reimbursement form. Commute PA may contact them for verification.
Where can I find the reimbursement form?
The form can be found in your Commute PA account under the rewards section in the ‘featured’ category. Click redeem and follow the directions. The form will be emailed to you. Please submit the form and any receipts within thirty (30) days of the trip.
What is a qualified emergency?
Qualified emergencies are unexpected personal illness/emergency, unexpected immediate family illness/emergency, transit route/train cancellation, or unscheduled overtime/early dismissal at your supervisor’s request, which cause you to be unable to use your regular green mode for the trip home from work or school. Immediate family includes husband, wife, child, brother, sister, or parent. In addition, the ERH will cover if your current green mode is delayed more than an hour or if the delay causes you to miss your connection. Should a carpool/vanpool driver have a qualified illness/emergency causing them to leave work early or unexpected overtime causing them to stay late, the rider(s) can utilize the ERH program.
What does not qualify for an emergency ride home?
Trips like personal errands, non-emergency medical appointments, business-related travel, working overtime without a supervisor’s approval, and on the job injury. Any situation known about prior to commuting on the day of the ERH will not qualify. The ERH program cannot be used when a commuter has an issue finding transportation for the trip home on a regular basis. It also does not cover a ride to work or school. Please contact us for clarification on qualified emergency situations.
Where can I go on my ride?
You may be taken to your home, child’s school/daycare, medical facility, or to your vehicle if it is parked at a park and ride lot. Trips can include several stops, such as to your child’s school, a medical facility, and then home.
Is there a limit on the number of rides I can take?
You may use the ERH program a maximum of six (6) times per calendar year.
How long will it take to receive my reimbursement?
Once the form has been submitted, please allow up to 60 days to receive your reimbursement. Commute PA may contact you or your employer to verify information and eligibility.
Who pays for the ride?
You will pay for the ride to get home and get reimbursed by Commute PA.
*Please note: The ERH program is NOT to be used to access emergency medical care in lieu of an ambulance or other appropriate medical transport service for work-related injuries.