Emergency Ride Home (ERH) programs are a form of “low-cost commuter insurance”. It as a program established by an employer that allows for employees to have a full or partially subsidized ride home (e.g. taxi) in the event of an emergency if they commute sustainably to work. They are a “safety net” for sustainable commuters by providing a quick and reliable ride home in the event of an unexpected personal or family emergency or illness, unscheduled overtime, or if the regular ride home is not available for certain reasons. This addresses a common objection to use alternative modes of transportation: “I need my car just in case”. When commuters have access to an ERH program, confidence in commuting options rises, and so does participation in sustainable transportation.
Through an ERH program, registered employees are provided with a free or partially subsidized ride home, and are typically restricted to a certain number per employee per calendar year. The cost of offering this service tends to be low because it is infrequently used. ERH programs are a common component of Workplace Commuter Options programs (see this local example of an ERH policy).
To lean more about Emergency Ride Home programs and how to implement one at your workplace, please download our Emergency Ride Home Infosheet.
