Need a ride to get your vaccine? The state may soon offer you one for free

The state Department of Transportation and the state Department of Health and Human Services will provide rides for people needing transportation to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Around $2.5 million in Coronavirus Relief funding will be distributed to local transit agencies.

“Partnerships like this are crucial to make it possible for everyone to be able to take their shot when it’s their spot,” said DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen.

Locations, phone numbers to get your COVID shot in central NC

Local transit agencies will receive a set amount of funding. Officials said the initiative will continue until funds run out for that agency.

Officials said funds can be used to offset costs associated with giving rides to and from vaccination site for people receiving, or helping someone in receiving the vaccine.

Some agencies will provide rides for free and some won't, according to a NCDOT spokesperson, who added that it will depend on the transit agency.

Ryan Brumfield with the NCDOT says its the goal that transportation services will provide rides for free to vaccination clinics.

“It’s not as simple as saying the rides will be free, [but] we are strongly encouraging all of our transit systems to provide free rides," Brumfield said. "Most of them, if not all of them, will be able to do that. It could be some exceptions, as some get up to speed with the new program and make modifications to their service.”

The first step is to call and get a registered appointment for your vaccine. Once you have an appointment, you contact you local transportation agency to schedule your appointment for a ride.

Agencies will use the funds given to them to find a solution that is specific to the needs of the area.