RIDE, Wilson’s public, on demand ride-sharing service, will begin offering free trips for vaccination appointments starting on February 5, 2021. The service will continue for at least three months, with the option to extend if needed.
“When we launched RIDE, we knew it would save time and could save peoples’ jobs by reducing transportation barriers, but we didn’t imagine we could use it to save lives,” said Wilson City Manager Grant Goings while announcing the program to the City Council.
Riders do not need a promotion code or to do anything differently to qualify for the free ride. Local vaccination sites are loaded in the system, and anyone requesting a RIDE to those locations will automatically receive the free RIDE.
The free vaccine RIDEs are available whether booking on the app or by phone. The quickest and easiest way to book a RIDE is through the web booker or the Via app. Full instructions about how to book are available on the city’s website: https://www.wilsonnc.org/residents/all-departments/public-works/wilson-transit-wilson-industrial-air-center/ride
“RIDE is powered by technology from Via, creating a flexible transit solution that can adapt to the changing needs of the community,” said Daniel Ramot, Via’s CEO and co-founder. “We are proud to work with the City of Wilson and the NCDOT to provide free rides to vaccination centers to ensure critical access to care for all residents.”
“Access to vaccination sites is critical, especially for those unable to drive or safely walk to a site,” said Rodger Lentz, Wilson’s Chief Planning and Development Officer. “Our switch to microtransit has allowed more flexibility to innovate quickly and provide service enhancements for Wilson residents. We are thrilled to offer this service in partnership with NCDOT and Via. Funding for this service ensures that lack of transportation will not be a barrier to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.”
The City will be working with officials at vaccination sites to communicate this service enhancement. As vaccination sites are added, RIDE will be updated to include the new locations. The initial locations are:
- Wilson County Health Department
- Wilson Medical Center
- Wilson Community Health Center
- Vidant Healthplex
This service is made possible through CARES Act funding in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
"NCDOT is pleased to partner with Wilson in this effort to bring on-demand microtransit services to the city,” said Ryan Brumfield, Interim Director of the Integrated Mobility Division. “RIDE promises to break down traditional transportation barriers, providing a valuable new tool to help combat this ongoing pandemic."
While the RIDE service is only available within the RIDE service territory, other options are available for Wilson County residents. If you live outside of the city limits and need transportation to a vaccine site within Wilson County, please contact Wilson County Transportation Service at 252-399-2817.
