Guaranteeing You Won't Get Stranded By Transit

An often cited reason for not using alternative transportation is the unpredictable: what if I need a car for something unexpected? A non-profit is now offering guaranteed rides to those who ride transit, bike, or walk, up to $100 per year.

1 minute read

September 15, 2009, 6:00 AM PDT

By Michael Rodriguez @http://www.twitter.com/transpoplanner


Ecology Action, a nonprofit in Santa Cruz, is hoping to encourage more alternative commuters by offering them the comfort that if they need a car for an unexpected reason, they can have one. The "RideSurance" program would cost commuters $24 a year. For that price, commuters get a voucher for $100 of cab rides, bus passes, or rental cars to be used in the event of an emergency.

The program is currently subsidized by a grant from the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District. Coordinators hope RideSurance will someday pay for itself, or at least require minimal subsidy.

Monday, September 14, 2009 in San Jose Mercury News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17, 2025 - San José Spotlight

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Sunset view of tall palm trees and shorter trees lining empty street with Los Angeles skyline and crescent moon in background.

Planting for Change: How Trees Are Powering Climate Action

"Combating Climate Change with Trees" highlights how Southern California communities are strategically planting and nurturing urban forests to cool neighborhoods, improve air quality, and advance environmental justice.

July 21 - PBS

Street scene in Greenwich Village, New York City with people walking through busy intersection and new WTC tower in background.

Could Planners Adopt a 'Place Sherpa' Role?

Building upon the framework of a local housing panel, Chuck Wolfe suggests that advocacy and policy discussions would be enhanced by a “sherpa mindset” that focuses on lived experiences, facilitates applied knowledge of urban places, and promotes stakeholder discussion.

July 21 - Resurgence: A Journey via Substack

Wildfire recovery area with small trees growing in burn areas in Angeles National Forest in California.

California Advances Its 30x30 Conservation Goals

California is making significant progress toward its 30x30 conservation goals, but looming federal rollbacks and gaps in biodiversity protections could threaten the state’s efforts to protect lands and coastal waters by 2030.

July 21 - Los Angeles Times