RTC Rides: Supporting Independence with Lyft and Uber Vouchers
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Key Takeaways: RTC Rides Voucher Program
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At Open Window, we spend a lot of time contemplating what a well-lived life actually looks like. We especially focus on the retirement years, and talk a lot about income, taxes, investments, and estate plans. Increasingly, we also find ourselves discussing something more personal: the practical realities of getting older, and how the people we work with — and the people they love — are navigating them.
One of those realities to navigate is driving. Driving represents something beyond transportation; it represents independence and freedom. Facing the possibility of giving that up can be devastating. And yet, as life goes on, it becomes a reality. "Night driving" enters the vocabulary. Reflexes change, and traffic patterns shift. Medication comes with side effects. The risks of driving can begin to outweigh the convenience.
The RTC Rides Voucher Program hopes to help maintain the independence and freedom of transportation, and the possibilities it provides.
Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County, Nevada
What is the RTC Rides Voucher Program?
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County operates a subsidized ride-share program designed to give older adults and other eligible residents a reliable, affordable alternative to driving. Each month, enrolled participants receive a $60 Lyft or Uber voucher that is automatically loaded to their account and can be used toward any eligible ride within the Reno-Sparks area.
The program is funded through the quarter-percent Washoe County sales tax allocated for public transportation, and is subject to change or termination at any time.
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible, you must live in Reno or Sparks, Nevada and meet one of the following:
- Age 60 or older
- RTC ACCESS clients (any age, with a current ACCESS ID card)
- Washoe County Veterans (any age, with a current Veteran ID card)
Proof of a Reno or Sparks address via a valid Nevada ID is required at enrollment.
How the Program Works
Once enrolled, the $60 subsidy loads automatically each month. It applies to Lyft or UberX trips that both begin and end within the Reno-Sparks service area.
If a ride costs more than $60, the remaining balance is charged automatically to the payment method on file with the rider's Lyft or Uber account — no cash, no tickets, no additional steps.
A few things to keep in mind:
- The Lyft or Uber driver will remain unaware of the voucher's use.
- Unused voucher funds do not roll over. Each month's balance starts fresh.
- You choose Lyft or Uber but not both. After one year, you may switch to the other platform if you choose.
- The voucher cannot be used to tip drivers, though riders can tip separately through their app using their payment card.
- The program is subject to change or termination at any time based on available funding.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
- A smartphone with internet access
- An active Lyft or Uber account
- A valid debit or credit card on file with that account
Enrollment is handled in person at the RTC office building, 1105 Terminal Way, Reno, Nevada 89502, during these hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–3:30 p.m. (closed weekends and holidays). Questions can be directed to (775) 348-7433.
Once enrolled, participants receive a text message with instructions for claiming their monthly voucher.
A Few Practical Notes
If you are helping someone explore this program, here are a few things that may help the process go smoothly:
Tech Literacy: The program requires a smartphone and an active Lyft or Uber account. If you're not already using one of these apps, plan to spend some time setting it up and practicing before your first subsidized ride. Most people find both apps intuitive once they have used them a time or two.
Enrollment process: The in-person requirement means a trip to the RTC office during business hours. If you don't drive, this first trip will need to be coordinated. Ask a staff member of Open Window to accompany you. We're happy to take a field trip in this manner and be available to help complete paperwork and ask questions on the spot.
Ask a staff member of Open Window to accompany you. Set up a time with us here! [➚]
Experience: Lyft and Uber provide curb-to-curb service, meaning the driver will come to your door. Before arrival, riders receive the driver's name, photo, license plate number, vehicle description, and an estimated arrival time in the app. A text notification arrives when the driver is outside. For those who are new to ride-share, this level of transparency tends to ease early anxiety about the experience.
The Bigger Picture
Financial planning has always been about more than money. It is about building a life that functions well with resources, flexibility, and support built in at every stage. Transportation independence is a meaningful part of that picture for older adults, and programs like this one exist precisely to help fill the gaps.
If you have a parent, spouse, or relative who is beginning to drive less, or who perhaps should be driving less, this program is worth a conversation. The $60 monthly subsidy may not cover every trip, but it can meaningfully reduce the cost. It also offers a way to become more familiar with ride-share services, which could be the primary barrier to using them more regularly.
Encouraging a loved one to stop or reduce driving can be a difficult conversation. Having a concrete, practical alternative to point to: one that is affordable, already available, and simple to use, can make that conversation a little easier. That alternative is the RTC Rides Voucher Program.
If you have questions about the RTC Rides Voucher Program or want to share this information with a family member who may benefit, we hope this article is a useful starting point. For full program details, visit rtcwashoe.com.
We're here to help. Reach out to us at www.openwindow.com/quicknote or schedule a time to connect with us at www.openwindow.com/connection.