Gov. Murphy announces additional partnership with NJ 211, Uber, Lyft to continue to provide rideshare service Impacted by COVID-19, Tropical Storm Ida
NEW JERSEY – Governor Phil Murphy Thursday announced $300,000 in additional funding towards a continued partnership with rideshare companies Uber and Lyft in conjunction with United Way Worldwide and NJ 211 to provide access to free and discounted rideshare services to New Jersey residents who lost a personal vehicle as a result of Tropical Storm Ida and who are unable to obtain another vehicle due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Uber and Lyft initially partnered with the State to provide free rideshares to those impacted by Ida starting in early September. The first phase of the Tropical Storm Ida rideshare program provided over 2,400 rides. Due to the severe impacts of Tropical Storm Ida, in combination with COVID-19’s impacts on individuals and the supply chain overall, many Ida-impacted individuals still require assistance with transportation. This second phase of the Ida rideshare program will continue to provide critical transportation to many New Jerseyans in need.
New Jersey residents who lost a vehicle and need help accessing essential services can text NJIDARIDE to 898-211 to request a Lyft or Uber ride. Those without access to a smartphone can dial 2-1-1 from any phone line.
“This additional funding will be a lifeline for those still without reliable transportation following Tropical Storm Ida who are also impacted by COVID-19,” Murphy said. “We appreciate the partnership with NJ 211, Uber, and Lyft in providing transportation to those in need during this difficult time.”
Some limitations may apply to the transportation offerings available from each company, so riders can contact 211 for additional information.
Tropical Storm Ida produced massive flooding throughout New Jersey, leaving thousands of residents without basic needs such as housing and transportation. Governor Murphy has declared a State of Emergency, which will facilitate access to federal relief aid. Based on the governor’s request, FEMA has approved a Major Disaster Declaration to provide Individual Assistance to residents in Bergen, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Passaic, Somerset, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Union, Morris, and Warren counties. The declaration allows individuals in the approved counties to register at www.disasterassistance.gov for direct assistance for Ida-related recovery, which may include home repairs, temporary housing, low-cost loans, and other programs to help recover from the effects of the tropical storm.
Information on available State resources to individuals and businesses impacted by Tropical Storm Ida can also be found on nj.gov/ida/.
