Rideshare Incentives for Driving Electric (RIDE)
What is the RIDE program?
RIDE is a statewide program designed for high-volume, income-qualified drivers in California who currently drive for Uber, Lyft, or HopSkipDrive.
RIDE provides financial incentives for eligible drivers to purchase or lease an electric vehicle and support ongoing charging costs.
RIDE will help rideshare drivers transition to electric vehicles, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease overall costs of ownership.
How do I apply for RIDE incentives?
In order to qualify for RIDE incentives, you must meet the following requirements:
- Qualify as low- or moderate-income (household income at or below 400% Federal Poverty Level)
- Complete at least 4,500 trips across Uber, Lyft, and HopSkipDrive over the previous 12 months at time of application
To apply for RIDE incentives and learn more about how to qualify, please visit RIDEca.org
The CPUC’s Role
RIDE is part of the Clean Miles Standard (CMS) program, a statewide effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation network company (TNC) services primarily through transitioning drivers to zero-emission vehicles (e.g., electric vehicles). CPUC is responsible for implementing CMS including annual targets adopted by California Air Resources Board and ensuring minimal negative impact on low- and moderate-income drivers. The CMS Phase 1 Decision established the first set of implementation requirements, including a Drivers Assistance Program (later renamed to RIDE) to be funded by a per-trip fee on all Uber, Lyft, and HopSkipDrive trips.
Who administers the RIDE program?
The CPUC selected Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) as the Program Administrator and oversees and approves all aspects of CSE’s implementation work. As the Program Administrator, CSE processes incentive applications, conducts outreach, and provides resources for drivers who are transitioning or thinking about transitioning to electric vehicles. For more information, please visit rideca.org.
Why does it matter?
Drivers for TNC services may spend more time on the roads, generating more emissions and more vehicle miles traveled. Transitioning these drivers to electric vehicles can have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. Drivers may also experience the personal benefits of switching to an electric vehicle. RIDE will provide financial support to assist eligible drivers with acquiring an electric vehicle and for ongoing charging costs.
