Georgetown, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Georgetown, Texas, has unveiled the RideGTX, a subsidized rideshare initiative aimed at enhancing local transportation. The program allows residents to use vouchers for rides with Uber and zTrip, making it easier to access essential resources. The city expects approximately 8,500 participants in its first year, addressing transportation barriers faced by locals, as noted in a recent survey by The Caring Place, which highlights the program’s vital role in connecting residents to food and medical services.
Georgetown, Texas, has introduced a subsidized rideshare program called RideGTX, designed to help residents navigate the city more efficiently. The initiative is part of an effort to improve local transportation and provide support to nonprofit services.
Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Pitts highlighted that utilizing Uber as a transportation option is a reasonable choice, given its 24/7 availability throughout the year. Under the program, participants can use up to 10 vouchers per month for rides. Riders will pay an initial fee of $4, while the city covers the subsequent $10 of the fare, leaving riders accountable for any amount exceeding $14.
The program also includes a partnership with zTrip, a rideshare company focused on serving individuals with disabilities. Riders using this service will pay a flat fee of $4 for unlimited rides.
City officials project that around 8,500 riders will participate in the RideGTX program within its first year. The principal aim of the program is to connect residents to critical resources, including food and medical appointments.
A recent survey conducted by The Caring Place, a local nonprofit, revealed that 18% of clients identified transportation as a major barrier to receiving help. The Caring Place assisted over 11,000 people in the last year, with more than 7,500 served so far in 2023 through April. The personal experiences of staff members, including Rita Turner, reflect the pressing transportation challenges faced by individuals in the community, such as her disabled sister’s frequent hospital visits.
The RideGTX program aligns with a growing trend among cities that lack formal transit systems. Similar initiatives have been adopted by other Texas cities such as Kyle (Uber Kyle) and Wylie (Ride Awake Wylie) to address local transportation needs. Georgetown’s previous fixed fare system was discontinued in 2021 due to low ridership, and the new voucher-based model aims to reduce costs incurred by the city only when rides are requested.
Rita Turner expressed optimism that the RideGTX initiative could be a catalyst for developing more extensive public transport options in the future.
Additionally, The Caring Place, located at 2000 Railroad Avenue in Georgetown, has resumed donation hours for its thrift store. Donation drop-off hours have now expanded to Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This adjustment was made to accommodate community needs in the wake of pandemic challenges.
Executive Director Ginna O’Connor noted that significant improvements have been made over the past three years to restore the organization’s services and operations to pre-pandemic levels. The Caring Place has been offering essential services, including emergency shelter, rental assistance, and a food pantry, since 1985, benefiting numerous communities in the area. The organization also accepts various donations such as clothing, household goods, and non-perishable food items.
O’Connor emphasized the broader impact of thrift store donations, highlighting that proceeds from sales support operational costs and provide affordable pricing for community members.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the RideGTX program?
The RideGTX program is intended to enhance local transportation and connect residents to essential resources, such as food and medical appointments.
How many vouchers can participants use per month?
Participants can use up to 10 vouchers per month for rides.
What are the costs for riders using RideGTX?
Riders initially pay $4, with the city covering the next $10 of the fare. Riders are responsible for any amount over $14.
What is zTrip?
zTrip is a rideshare service designed specifically for individuals with disabilities. Riders only pay $4 for unlimited rides.
How many riders are expected to use the program in its first year?
City officials estimate that 8,500 riders will use the RideGTX program in its first year.
Who is The Caring Place?
The Caring Place is a local nonprofit that provides essential services such as emergency shelter, rental assistance, and a food pantry.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Name | RideGTX |
| Vouchers per Month | Up to 10 |
| Rider Cost | $4 plus any fare above $14 |
| zTrip Fee | $4 for unlimited rides for individuals with disabilities |
| Estimated Riders | 8,500 in the first year |
| The Caring Place | Nonprofit providing various community services |
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Additional Resources
- Community Impact: The Caring Place Holiday Food Drive
- Wikipedia: Georgetown, Texas
- Community Impact: The Caring Place Celebrates 40 Years
- Google Search: RideGTX Georgetown
- Spectrum Local News: Georgetown Uses Uber as Transit System
- Google Scholar: Public Transport in Non-Transit Cities
- Wilco Sun: Caring Place Expands Donation Hours
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nonprofit Organizations
- Hello Georgetown: The Caring Place Expands Donation Hours
- Google News: Local Nonprofit Donation Hours
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