Not Just a Ride

Rural Rides provides temporary employment-related transpor tation including job search for income-eligible participants. The program is administered by four Transportation Advocates located at WorkForce Centers and employment hubs throughout St. Louis, Itasca, Lake, and Cook Counties. Transportation Advocates provide bus tickets, taxi vouchers, volunteer driver assistance, and transportation plans for people looking for work and for those needing transportation to maintain a job.

Rural Rides served 327 people in 2009, providing nearly 40,000 rides. In 2010, the numbers are expected to far exceed those. As one Rural Rides participant put it, “If it weren’t for this program, I probably wouldn’t be able to keep this job.”

If you have questions about Rural Rides or would like to volunteer as a driver, please contact Marcia Mehle, Rural Rides Program Manager, at 218-262-7306 or Anna Palo, Transportation Advocate, 218-748-2274.