San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
Shuttle service for seniors to expand
When I covered last year the launch of Chula Vista’s free, on-demand shuttle program for seniors, I couldn’t help but notice Joanie Corey.
The then-76-year-old resident donned a smile from ear to ear as she took a seat in the transit van. It would be a game changer, a vehicle to freedom because her only other options were taxicabs and a once-amonth trip to nearby stores as offered by her retirement home.
Her desire to go where she wanted hassle-free reminded me of my late grandmother, who longed to stay active but faced mobility issues in her mid-80s and had little to no means of transport. I think she would have been a frequent rider if her community had such a shuttle program.
So, when officials announced on Tuesday that the city had just received $500,000 in state grants to enhance the service, I thought more people should know.
Dennis Gakunga, the city’s chief sustainability officer, said the new funds will cover the purchase of an additional van to meet the increasing demand for rides, as well as to cover insurance and driver wage costs. This would put the program’s fleet at five sedans, which fit four passengers, and two transit vans that fit six passengers with wheelchair space.
Additionally, the program will expand this fall to provide rides to people younger than 55 for a fee of $3 per person, he added. It will remain free for those 55 and older. The service area, in northwest Chula Vista only, will go unchanged.
Since its start last June, the demand has steadily increased. A total of 14,181 rides have been provided to more than 17,000 riders, according to the city. About 50 percent of riders are 64 and older. The average wait time is eight minutes.
It’s been a pretty successful project, which the Governor’s Office recognized in April as a good model for supporting communities facing economic and environmental challenges.
Resident Rose Mary Murphy, 87, can personally attest to its success.
“Without the shuttle, I’d be tied down at home 24 hours a day,” she said. “It’s the only way I can go anywhere with my sister. She’s in a wheelchair. We can go to restaurants and the market.”
Former Councilmember Jill Galvez, who spearheaded the program, said it has “truly changed lives, helping our cherished senior population move about our community swiftly, reliably, independently while using 100 percent electric vehicles.”
The five-year program was funded with $2 million from the state and Community Congregational Development Corporation, which offers financial support and resources for older adults in South County. Chula Vista will need to find additional funding sources for years four and five, said Gakunga.
Request a ride via the Ride Circuit mobile app or call (646) 504-3733. Service is available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.