NJ Residents Who Lost Cars In Storm Ida Could Get Free Or Discounted Rides

Residents across the Garden State are still assessing the damage done by Tropical storm Ida last week, but there's a bit of good news for those who lost cars to the floodwaters. New Jersey will pay for all or discount your Uber or Lyft ride.

Governor Phil Murphy announced on Wednesday that the state is partnering with rideshare companies Uber and Lyft in conjunction with United Way Worldwide and NJ 211 to provide access to free and discounted rides to New Jersey residents who lost a personal car to Ida.

The window for rides is within the next two weeks — residents who lost a car and need help accessing essential services can text NJIDARIDE to 898-211 to request a Lyft or Uber ride. Those without access to a smartphone can dial 2-1-1 from any phone line. Some limitations may apply to the transportation offerings available from each company, so riders can contact 211 for additional information.

“In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ida, we must come together as a community and pick one another up,” said Governor Murphy. “I want to thank both Uber and Lyft for their generous offer of transportation for New Jerseyans in need.”

Tropical Storm Ida produced massive flooding throughout New Jersey, leaving thousands of residents without basic needs such as housing and transportation. In some of the state's larger cities like Jersey City, as many as 100 cars were left abandoned in the roadways after the storm. In Bergen County, areas like Paramus along Route 17 saw a buildup of abandoned cars, as many as 200.

“Nobody should have to worry after a natural disaster how they will get to essential places like the grocery store and medical appointments. Lyft is proud to join Governor Murphy in helping New Jerseyans get where they need to go until they can get back on their feet,” said Lyft Social Impact Director Lisa Boyd.

Governor Murphy declared a State of Emergency and on Sunday, President Joe Biden declared that a major disaster exists in the state of New Jersey. Biden's declaration marks the availability of extra federal funding to people who live in the counties of Bergen, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Passaic and Somerset, all areas that experienced either fatal flooding or home-destroying tornadoes.

Across New Jersey, the death toll from the flooding stands at 27 as of Monday, and four still missing. New Jersey suffered the highest number of Ida-related deaths of all the U.S. states.