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| Frequently asked questions |
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Rider Fund What is the Everybody Rides Metro rider fund? Everybody Rides Metro is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that partners with charitable agencies to provide bus tokens and passes to low-income individuals and supports self-sufficiency. The foundation received its 501(c)(3) non-profit status in September 2006 and is the first foundation dedicated to providing public transportation to low income riders in the country. Donations are tax-deductible. Why was Everybody Rides Metro created? Metro fares are among the lowest in the country, but when faced with paying for housing, food, medicine and other necessities some people find even modest bus fare difficult to afford. ERM was created to provide subsidized fares for low-income individuals so that they can connect to jobs, education, healthcare and other vital human services that help them achieve self-sufficiency. Who will it benefit? 75,000 Cincinnati and 100,000 Hamilton County Residents live at or below the poverty line. That's 25% and 12.5% of the respective populations. Many individuals rely on Metro for public transportation to jobs, school, health care and other vital services. 33% of Metro riders are below the poverty line; 18% have lost jobs due to lack of transportation; 36% have turned down jobs due to lack of transportation and 59% do not own a vehicle How does the foundation work? Donations to ERM are used to match purchases of bus tokens and passes by partner non-profit organizations serving low-income individuals. These partner organizations provide bus tokens and passes at no cost to eligible low-income individuals. The partners are already providing this assistance to low income riders. ERM is able to provide more rides without increasing cost. Any non-profit 501(c)(3) organization may apply to become a partner with ERM, as long as the agency demonstrates that it provides services to low income individuals who rely on Metro for transportation. All support from ERM is in the form of bus passes and tokens that must be passed on to the agency clients who rely on public transportation. How does a person receive subsidized bus fare? Bus tokens and monthly passes are available only through partner organizations that provide services to low-income individuals. Eligibility for subsidized tokens and passes is determined by the partner agencies. How are partner organizations selected? Non-profit organizations complete project applications for the grants. Partner organizations are selected based on service provided to users of public transportation. How is the foundation funded? The foundation may be funded through corporations, other foundations, private individuals, and government aid directed to low income individuals. Which non-profit organizations are foundation partners? The selection of partner organizations began in December 2006 and pilot program began in May 2007 with the following agencies: Several non-profit organizations have applied, including:
How great is the need? From Healthy Mom’s and Babes: “The Everybody Rides Metro Foundation is an essential service to providing subsidized bus fares and monthly passes for our clients who cannot afford basic transportation. I strongly support and encourage the approval of this funding and will work in collaboration with the Everybody Rides Metro Foundation to address the needs of the women in underserved neighborhoods.” From the Society of St. Vincent de Paul: “One of the main barriers that our clients face is lack of transportation. We have resources available to our clients such as rental, utility, Clothing, and furniture assistance, etc., but what do you do when you are not able physically to get to places for the help that you need. Many of our clients are dependent on public transportation to get to jobs, doctors, stores and for assistance they need.” How much has been donated so far? In its first full year, ERM raised about $50,000. ERM will receive almost $1 million in federal funding and foundation grants for 2008 and 2009. The federal funds require local match. Only a portion of the matching funds required for the federal grant have been received. The City appropriation will secure the federal funds. All transit funds will ultimately be paid to SORTA. What percentage of every dollar goes to subsidize fares? During the start-up year, approximately 85% of each contribution will support subsidized fares. After the first year, the foundation’s goal is 90% going directly to low income bus riders. For additional information or to support the foundation, contact: Ted Bergh
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