Support Strategies

Emergency Ride Home

Employees who do not use their own vehicle to commute to work, may worry about how to get home if they work late or have a personal emergency. An Emergency Ride Home (ERH) program can reassure these workers by providing them with free or subsidized emergency transportation.

ERH programs are offered by employers who:

• Contract a taxi or rental car company that bills monthly for service used;
• Provide fare money from petty cash;
• Reimburse employees;
• Allowing employees to be driven by a co-worker.

ERH costs tend to be quite low because they are, in fact, seldom used. Costs can also be controlled by setting maximum dollar benefits or requiring advance employee registration.

What does an ERH program provide?
An ERH program can provide reassurance for workers who will take a greater interest in commute choices.

For whom is the ERH beneficial?
ERH is beneficial to carpoolers, vanpoolers, transit riders with limited options, or even bicyclers and walkers. ERH works best when it’s made easy, especially for employees with emergencies.

How can an employer set up an ERH program?
ERH programs require planning. Local Transportation Management Association (TMA) staff will help the employer:

• Decide how transportation will be provided (e.g., co-worker, taxi);
• Negotiate any service contracts with taxi, limo or rental car companies;
• Determine how costs will be handled;
• Establish policies concerning eligibility, request/approval, advance registration, maximum benefit, etc.;
• Prepare vouchers, registration forms and other materials;
• Educate supervisors on request/approval procedures;
• Develop a system for monitoring program use and cost;
• Promote the program.