Transportation as a Social Determinant of Health: What the Data Tells Us

When we think about health, we often think about doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions. But increasingly, public health experts are recognizing that where we live, how we move, and what we can access plays a bigger role than what happens inside a clinic. Transportation, long overlooked, is now seen as a key social determinant of health (SDOH).

At QRyde, we believe that access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation is essential—not just for mobility, but for health equity. And the data is clear: without adequate transit, entire populations face worse health outcomes.



What Are Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)?

Social Determinants of Health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These include:

  • Economic stability

  • Education access

  • Healthcare access

  • Neighborhood environment

  • Transportation access

If someone can’t get to the doctor, a pharmacy, a grocery store, or a job, their health will suffer—regardless of their diagnosis.

The Transportation-Health Link: By the Numbers

Let’s break it down:

  • 5.8 million Americans delay or forgo medical care each year due to transportation issues.

  • Individuals without cars are more than twice as likely to miss critical appointments.

  • Missed NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation) rides lead to higher ER visits and readmissions, costing the system more.

  • In rural areas, 20% or more of residents report transportation as a barrier to healthcare.


Real-World Impact: When Transit Means Health Access

QRyde has worked with agencies across the country to address transportation gaps that lead to chronic care lapses, delayed treatment, or nutrition insecurity.

✅ CICOA Meals & More, Indianapolis, IN

QRyde provided a digital system for managing senior meal deliveries and transportation.
Result: Over 325,000 meals delivered with tracked vouchers—ensuring vulnerable seniors got consistent, healthy meals.

✅ Coalition for a Better Acre, Lowell, MA

Participants in job training programs needed to travel 30 miles to reach healthcare coverage, job sites, and support services.
Result: QRyde enabled over 1,000 rides, improving participant retention and wellness.

Technology Is the Bridge Between Health and Transit

The right public transportation software can do more than plan routes—it can transform lives.

Key Features That Improve Health Access:

Public Health + Transit: A Powerful Partnership

Health systems, insurers, nonprofits, and transportation agencies are starting to coordinate. Through platforms like QRyde, they can:

  • Identify patients at risk for missed care due to transport

  • Schedule rides automatically after provider referrals

  • Track outcomes across trips, visits, and health results

  • Prove ROI through reduced no-shows, ER visits, and hospitalizations

A Future of Healthy Mobility

As cities and states expand Medicaid and build health equity programs, transportation must be part of the equation. QRyde’s intelligent platform empowers agencies to:

  • Map transportation gaps by income, age, and health data

  • Collaborate with medical providers and care managers

  • Design integrated, accessible, and affordable mobility networks

Final Thought

Healthcare doesn’t start in the hospital. It starts at home—with a ride that gets you where you need to be.

QRyde is proud to power the systems that make that journey possible—because better health begins with better mobility.

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