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Landing a job in New York can already feel like a full-time job. Now, one of the biggest hurdles—simply getting there—could become a little easier.
Lyft has teamed up with the New York City Employment and Training Coalition to launch a new pilot program that gives free rides to New Yorkers traveling to job interviews, workforce training programs, employment appointments and even their first days on the job. The initiative comes as new federal work requirements for some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients have made reliable transportation an even more pressing issue for thousands of city residents.
Through the Job Access Ride Code Pilot Program, Lyft is contributing $50,000 in ride credits that will be distributed through NYCETC's network of more than 220 workforce development organizations. Those organizations serve more than 200,000 New Yorkers each year across all five boroughs, working with job seekers, career changers and people facing barriers to employment. Rather than applying directly through Lyft, eligible participants will receive ride codes from the workforce organizations they already work with.
As of March 1, new federal SNAP rules require many able-bodied adults without dependents between the ages of 18 and 64 to complete at least 80 hours each month of work, job training or volunteer service to keep their food assistance benefits. According to the organizations behind the program, an estimated 123,000 New Yorkers are affected by the change, making dependable transportation a critical link between job opportunities and the ability to keep their essential benefits.
"Transportation is one of the most persistent and invisible barriers between a New Yorker and their next opportunity," said Gregory J. Morris, the CEO of NYCETC, in a statement. "Our member organizations work every day to connect underserved New Yorkers to jobs, training and pathways to economic mobility—and too often, the ride to the interview is the obstacle standing in the way."
Lyft says the pilot builds on similar workforce transportation programs it has supported in other parts of the country. "For New Yorkers trying to land a job, get to a training program, or meet the new federal work requirements to keep their food benefits, a ride can make the difference between success and a missed chance," Tavonia Davis, Lyft's senior public policy manager, said.
If the pilot proves successful, Lyft and NYCETC say they plan to expand the partnership, continuing to provide transportation assistance to New Yorkers working toward employment and career training. For job seekers already connected with one of NYCETC's member organizations, getting to an interview may soon be one less thing to worry about.