Emergency Ride Home Program

Reliability when the unexpected occurs.

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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.

Who Can Benefit From the ERH Program?

To qualify for our emergency ride home services in Pennsylvania, you must:

  • Have an active Commute PA account.
  • Add home and work or school addresses.
  • Record at least two green trips a week.
Illustration of a person catching a taxi

ERH Reimbursement Procedure

1

Find and arrange transportation for your ride.

2

Pay for the ride and keep the receipt.

3

Submit a reimbursement request.

In the event of an emergency, follow these steps to receive reimbursement:

  • Arrange a taxi service or other transportation to get home.
  • Pay for the service or rental car and obtain a receipt.
  • Submit the reimbursement form, including mileage, and receipts within 30 days. Please note that we cannot reimburse you without a receipt showing the date and cost of the ride.
  • You will receive reimbursement within 60 days of submission.

Why Use Commute PA?

Commute PA offers various services to make commuting more accessible and sustainable. In addition to the ERH program, we provide resources for carpool matching, biking maps and public transit information to support greener travel choices. We understand that switching from driving alone can be challenging, but here’s how it can work for you:

  • Saves time: Riding in a carpool will give you time back in your day that can be used to check email, work ahead on projects, or read.
  • Expanded transit options: Commute PA helps educate you on combining different modes of transportation, like walking or biking to a nearby transit station or carpooling to a central location. Facilities like park-and-ride lots also make it easier to access public transit options.
  • Reduces your carbon footprint: Cutting down on time spent in your vehicle is good for the planet. Using carpools, vanpools or transit for your commute reduces harmful emissions.

By participating in our program, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you have a backup plan, reducing stress during your daily commute. Plus, you can earn rewards by recording your green trips.

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FAQs

Get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about ERH from Commute PA:

What types of transportation are allowed for the emergency ride?

You 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), a rental car or a ride provided by a co-worker, friend or family member.

Where can I go on my ride?

An emergency ride can include several stops and take you home, to the hospital, to a park-and-ride lot or to your child’s school or daycare.

How many rides can I take?

You can request emergency rides a total of six times a year.

Who pays for the ride?

You will pay for the ride to get home and get reimbursed by Commute PA.

How much will I be reimbursed for an emergency ride home?

You will receive up to $100 per trip, depending on the fare receipt and the appropriate tip amount.

How am I reimbursed if I receive a ride from a co-worker, friend or family member?

Reimbursement is based on the total round-trip distance from your work to your home, calculated using the current IRS mileage rate. 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 is 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.

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.

What qualifies as an emergency?

The emergency ride is applicable for:

  • Unexpected personal or immediate family member illnesses or emergencies. Immediate family includes husband, wife, child, brother, sister, or parent.
  • Public transit or train cancellation.
  • Unscheduled overtime or early dismissal at your supervisor’s request.
  • Delays of more than 1 hour in your current green mode or if the delay causes you to miss your connection.
  • Your carpool or vanpool driver is unavailable due to unexpected circumstances.

What doesn't qualify for the ERH program?

Personal errands, business travel, routine medical appointments, overtime without supervisor approval and injuries on the job do not qualify. 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 get in touch with us with any queries on reimbursement for an emergency ride home.

*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.

Join Our Community of Green Commuters Today!

We understand that daily commutes can be stressful. To increase convenience, we offer perks such as rewards for using green rides and emergency rides. Sign up on our platform, record your green trips and earn points redeemable for discounts and vouchers. For more information or assistance, call us at 866-579-7433.

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