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Most of us need transportation daily, yet the costs of getting around quickly add up. Whether it be work, school, managing errands can get pricey. So, here are a few tips on scoring free rides! Even though not paying for transportation sounds too good to be true, there are many authentic approaches to completing precisely that.
Whether it be referral programs or community initiatives, capitalizing on these resources is a ticket to your destination without any monetary input.
In this post, we will share some practical and creative approaches to getting free rides. These tips will guide you wherever it may be — whether you’re a student, an oldie or simply someone looking to save some bucks.
Understand How to Use Ride-Sharing Referral Programs
Modern transportation methods like Uber and Lyft need no introduction and encourage you to share rides. Referral programs allow you to earn ride credits for inviting friends onto the platform. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Register and refer friends — Each app will give you a unique referral link. Pass it on to friends who still are not signed up.
Score free rides: When your friends take their first ride with your referral code, you get a free code.
Not only does this strategy give you complimentary rides, but it also gives you the opportunity to help your friends save on their first rides. Referral credits have expiration dates and region availability that can be found in the app.
Related Blog: How to Get Cheap Gas
Participate in Local Community Ride Programs
In some communities, free or discounted ride programs are available to meet the transportation needs of residents. Some of these efforts might include providing public transit connections, providing shuttles, or even volunteer ride networks.
These include community bus systems that run only on donations, or neighborhood carpools set up to transport workers to and from jobs. Local government or community centers can provide you with more information about this. There may be programs aimed at low-income households, seniors or those with special needs.
Attend Events Offering Free Transportation
Larger events tend to offer complimentary rides to entice attendance and minimize parking issues. At times, music festivals, conventions, and even community fairs team with local transit agencies or ride-sharing apps to subsidize rides for patrons.
Entrepreneurs may also offer free shuttles or transportation reimbursements to increase traffic to their place of business, which may be common during a grand opening or some specific promo. So, to never miss an opportunity, keep track of event pages and local news.
Use Credit Card Rewards for Free Rides
Similar to how credit cards can get you around the world for free, they can also help you get around your city. You can often redeem points from a number of reward-based credit cards for ride-sharing credits, gift cards, park pay charges, or even reimbursements for public transit.
Take the Chase Sapphire Reserve, for example, where you could often receive statement credits for Uber rides, or there are other cards that have transit partners in certain cities. On the other hand, cruise or travel-focused cards, could let you see your charges for shuttle services reduced.
Use the credit card that pays the greatest cashback bonus or the most generous travel points based on what you will be spending money for, and do so to maximize these benefits while avoiding paying interest or any other fees associated with credit cards by paying off balances in a timely manner.
Read related blog: How to Get Free Gas at the Pump: Fuel Your Ride Cheaply!
Take Advantage of Senior and Student Ride Discounts
When it comes to students and seniors, extra special discounts apply; therefore, transportation costs can be cut down to the bare minimum, or completely nonexistent. Many ride-sharing apps, taxi services, and public transit systems have reduced fees or free fees for eligible riders.
Student benefits: A number of universities have partnered with ride services to offer discounted or free rides on or around campus. Limited-time deals may also be handy for services such as Lyft’s Student Rides.
Senior discount: Some community shuttle programs and apps like GoGoGrandparent are designed specifically for senior citizens, and offer discounts ranging from free rides for medical appointments or errands to low-cost rides.
To benefit from these, make sure you have proof (e.g., a student ID or documents to confirm your age).
Join Volunteer Driver Programs
Enter volunteer driving programs to match drivers with people needing a lift. They are often targeted at high-risk population, elderly, disability and low-income individuals.
Through registration for these programs, you can enjoy complimentary rides to important appointments or necessary travel. Although the majority of such programs are managed by non-profits or local governments, some may be community-based. Make sure to search for credible services in your region and check if you are eligible.
Utilize Non-profit Organizations Offering Free Rides
There are numerous non-profit organizations that will transport individuals in need in their communities, especially those who may need to get to healthcare appointments or who simply cannot afford such hotels for whatever reason in life. For instance, programs like The American Cancer Society’s Road To Recovery line up free rides for patients headed to treatment appointments.
The other big resource sources will be going to religious institutions, community centers, and veterans groups; they are also able to tap into all of it. If you belong to any local groups or organizations, ask if they have or know of a ride service.
Explore Free Ride Services During Holidays
For example, ride services and public transit operators may provide free rides around major holidays such as New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, or local festivals to encourage people not to drive under the influence.
Initiatives such as ’Sober Ride’ partner with taxi or ride-share companies to provide free or discounted rides.
Such services are usually heavily promoted during the holiday season, so be on the lookout for local campaigns to do so.
Find Free Ride Offers Through Social Media
Social Media is the goldmine for free ride offers advertisements from ride-sharing apps or local businesses are frequently found on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Keep an eye on limited-time offers by following the accounts for Uber, Lyft, and even smaller, regional ride services.
Additionally, there are many community groups or forums, like Facebook groups, where people post ride-pooling opportunities or post local events providing free transport.
Ride with Friends and Family for Free
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best: ask a friend for a ride. If you share a ride to work with some coworkers or need to lean on friends, or family for a helping hand with some errands, then pooling resources can save you a lot of money.
If you have a shared vehicle, perhaps come to some agreement and split the driving duties, offer to chip in for gas, or do some chores in return for a lift!
Related blog: How to Get a Free Ride Home From the Hospital
How Beem Can Help You Save Money on Rides
Beem is of great help in controlling your ride expenses and figuring out the possibilities to save costs. It monitors your transport expenditure, aggregates your promotions, and recognizes your discounts to get the maximum savings possible.
Beem narrows your search for affordable transportation by helping you find student ride deals, referral credits, and non-profit resources. It even organizes your group trips and makes sharing rides with buddies as easy as 1-2-3. Download the Beem app here.
Conclusion
Receiving free rides is easier than most would think. An array of ride-sharing apps, community programs, and creative opportunities can reduce your transportation expenses — or wipe them out completely. Using referral programs, non-profit resources, and select group discounts, you make the daily trip an enjoyable and economical one.
Regardless of where you find yourself, there is probably a way to get to where you need to without breaking the bank. Get started with these strategies and enjoy the ride — on their dime.
FAQs on How to Get Free Rides
What are the best ride-sharing apps with referral programs?
Many of the big apps, such as Uber, Lyft, and Bolt, have great referral programs where current users can earn credits (free rides) for bringing new riders on board.
How often do community ride programs offer free transportation?
How often it happens depends on where you are. They may run for a full year or during the season it is needed most.
Are there any risks involved in using volunteer driver programs?
Volunteer programs typically screen their drivers carefully, but do make sure the volunteer program is a reputable one. Before you use their service, check their credentials and inquire how they screen their drivers.
