Overview:

On July 1, 2021, the pilot program has transitioned into a regular program, as RTC entered into an agreement with Uber for three years to provide Reno-Sparks rider’s greater flexibility and more options for their transportation needs. The RTC Washoe-Uber Rides transportation program was modeled after the existing RTC Washoe Senior Ride program, this program uses Uber rides. Through this program, RTC of Washoe County will subsidize 75% of your fare (up to $9) for trips on Uber that start and end in the Reno-Sparks area. With this program, eligible customers may now use Uber at a substantially discounted rate with a portion of the ride subsidized by the RTC of Washoe County.

Program funding: RTC Washoe-Uber Rides Program is funded by the ¼ % of Washoe County sales tax that is allocated for public transportation.

Program eligibility: This program provides alternative, reliable and affordable transportation to Washoe County residents who are 60 years and older, RTC ACCESS client (any age) and Washoe County Veterans (any age). PLEASE NOTE: THIS PROGRAM CANNOT BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE WASHOE SENIOR RIDE TAXI BUCKS PROGRAM.

Program details:

Subsidy:

The RTC Washoe-Uber Rides Program will pay 75% of five (5) rides per month (capped at $9 off per ride). The other 25% of the fare and any amount over $9 will be automatically charged to the user’s debit or credit card on file on his/her Uber account.

24/7: Eligible rides can be taken 24/7/365.

Ride limits: Users can receive subsidy for up to 5 trips per month

Vehicle type: Subsidy will apply only to UberX trips

Service area: Eligible trips must start AND end in the Reno-Sparks area. Trips that begin or end outside of the service area below are not eligible for subsidy.

What users need to get started?

  • A smartphone with access to the internet
  • An active Uber account
  • A valid debit or credit card on file on your Uber account

 How to enroll in the program:

  1. Participants will need to complete and sign the registration and agreement form.
  2. Applicants 60 and over need to provide a copy of a government-issued photo identification and Washoe County residency. RTC ACCESS clients and Veterans need to provide a copy of a current RTC ACCESS or Veterans ID card.
  3. Completed forms and required documents can be sent via mail, fax 775-348-3261 or email rtcaccessapplication@rtcwashoe.com to the RTC. Mail can be addressed to Regional Transportation Commission, P.O. Box 30002 Reno, NV 89520-3002.
  4. Once the applicant has been enrolled, they will receive an email with instructions on how to claim their Uber voucher.

 How to take your first trip:

After successfully enrolling and accepting your voucher, you are ready to take your first ride. To request a ride, riders open the App, enter the target destination, and the app automatically sets a pickup location using GPS. After setting the destination and pickup location, press the “Request” button at the bottom of the screen and are subsequently matched with a nearby driver who accepts the ride request. If the trip is covered by the voucher, the discount will appear above the “confirm” button.

In addition, you’ll also know:

  • Estimated time of your driver’s arrival.
  • Type of car to expect, including color, license plate number, and picture of your driver!
  • The estimated cost of your discounted ride as a RTC Washoe-Uber customer.
  • You will receive a text message when your driver arrives.

NOTE: Uber provides “curb-to-curb” service so you will be required to be ready at your pickup location.

FAQs

How to create an Uber account?

After successfully enrolling and accepting your voucher, you are ready to take your first ride. To request a ride, riders open the App, enter the target destination, and the app automatically sets a pickup location using GPS. After setting the destination and pickup location, press the “Request” button at the bottom of the screen and are subsequently matched with a nearby driver who accepts the ride request. If the trip is covered by the voucher, the discount will appear above the “confirm” button.

How to pay for the portion of trips RTC-Washoe does not cover?

You do not need cash or physical tickets to ride with Uber. Your credit or debit card on file will automatically be billed the appropriate discounted rate.

Tipping:

Tipping is optional. You can tip your drive right on your Uber app, with the tip amount being charged to your form of payment on file with your account. The RTC Uber fare value cannot be used to tip the driver.

How are Uber fares calculated?

For eligible rides taken through this program, the fare you pay will be the total fare minus the subsidy of the applied voucher. Fares for trips on Uber are calculated as follows: the upfront price is calculated using the base rate, plus the per-minute rate and/or per-mile rate. It may be adjusted due to marketplace factors, promotions, and/or other discounts, and includes applicable taxes, fees, surcharges and estimated tolls.

Fares shown when scheduling your ride are approximations and may change based on factors including wait times, etc.

Visit Uber’s web site for details at www.uber.com.

Application