When SEPTA announced last month that it was switching to a limited “lifeline” schedule, halving service to 60 bus and trolley routes, Sharon was worried. With no car, no access to the bus she had always relied on, and no one she could count on to give her a ride each day to and from her job at Rite Aid, how was she going to get to work?

Sharon wasn’t the only one to worry. Paul works at Home Depot and now needed to leave his house more than two hours before his shift just to get to work on time. Morgyn’s commute to her job at Wawa more than doubled in length in the wake of service cuts. Lauren was forced to find another way to get to her job at Rite Aid. It’s a story we heard from our participants at essential businesses around the city, who suddenly faced long waits, multiple transfers, and double or triple travel times in their attempts to get to work.

Thanks to the creative problem-solving of our Operations team, these participants are now able to get to and from work via Uber. That’s thanks to the vital support of our partners at Philadelphia Works, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Blindness and Visual Resources, the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the PA Office of Developmental Programs, who recognized the unique transportation challenges faced by our participants, and worked with us to find a solution.

It’s been a crucial lifeline for our participants these last six weeks. “I was really worried when my bus route was suspended at the start of the pandemic,” said Sharon. “But now with Uber, it saves me time and takes me safely to work and back. I am so happy to be able to keep going to work.” That sentiment was echoed by participants across the board: Paul’s two-hour commute via bus is now 20 minutes via Uber. Lauren is able to get to her job at Rite Aid. And Morgyn wrote to say, “thank you so much for getting me to and from work during the lockdown,” and encouraged everyone to stay safe. The flexible funding provided by our partners has enabled at least 14 participants to use Uber for work-related travel.

As for Sharon, she’s been thriving in her position at Rite Aid, and said she’s thankful for the quick lift home via Uber after getting off a long shift, so she can enjoy her favorite pastime: making her sister a pot of tea in the evening, and sharing it with her at their kitchen table.

Interested in learning more about the way we’re supporting individuals with disabilities? Head on over to our “About Us” page!