Q: What is the Dial-A-Ride program, and where is it available? I have heard many different things about this transportation program and would like to know more.
A: Dial-A-Ride (DAR) is a transit program that provides paratransit and senior origin-to-destination transportation service to those who cannot use the fixed-route bus system. Unlike fixed-route buses, Dial-A-Ride is a scheduled service where users may make a reservation for a personal trip in advance. You can use it for rides for any purpose, including medical appointments, social visits, or even errands. These paratransit services can be named differently depending on the agency that provides them. Therefore, you may have heard different names like Dial-A-Ride, Access, or GO ACCESS.
Because this program is run differently in each location, I will provide some information specific to the Thousand Oaks program. You can call your city to learn more about other programs.
Thousand Oaks Dial-A-Ride is an on-demand, shared-ride public transportation service designed to help residents travel within their communities. The City of Thousand Oaks provides service throughout Thousand Oaks and unincorporated areas, connecting people to shopping centers, medical appointments, and more.
In addition, the ECTA Connect City-to-City (ECTA CONNECT) service is provided by the cities of Moorpark, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and the County of Ventura and offers convenient Dial-A-Ride service across eastern Ventura County and surrounding areas. This service covers unincorporated areas serviced by Thousand Oaks, plus Oak Park, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Somis, Santa Rosa Valley, Agoura Hills, and the CSUCI campus. ECTA CONNECT also links to other Dial-A-Ride transit services, such as Gold Coast Transit’s GO ACCESS and LA Access Service, simplifying regional travel for seniors and ADA passengers.
In Thousand Oaks, the Dial-A-Ride service is available to individuals with disabilities (ADA) and seniors (65+). Eligibility requirements vary by city or region, so it’s best to check with your local transit provider for specific guidelines.
Call (888) 667-7001 or visit goventura.org for ADA eligibility and certification. You can also call 211 for transportation information in your area.
The cost varies by city and service provider. The Thousand Oaks’ local DAR one-way fare is $4, and the one-way fare for ECTA CONNECT is $8.
Setting up a Dial-A-Ride trip is fairly easy. You can set up your account on the phone, and some cities offer online registration as well.
The Thousand Oaks DAR program is now using an App called T.O. Dial-A-Ride, that allows you to book rides and check the status of upcoming rides. You can also track your ride in real time, which is a great way to check the day of your ride.
Because DAR vehicles are picking up multiple people, they give you a window of 30 minutes for pickup and drop off. You must be ready and waiting for the ride to arrive. Being able to track in real-time makes this process much smoother.
For riders in Thousand Oaks, there will be an upcoming workshop on using the local DAR program. The Thousand Oaks Council on Aging is hosting this workshop at the Thousand Oaks Goebel Adult Center on March 27th at 10:30 a.m., and it will provide help setting up an account and demonstrating how to use the app. No registration is required.
Dial-A-Ride services ensure that older adults and people with disabilities have vital transportation services. While a shared ride may occasionally have delays, this option fills a gap in transportation for people unable to use fixed bus routes.
Transportation is a considerable need as people age and may no longer be able to drive safely on their own. I recommend that everyone learns what is available in their city and be prepared for when and if that time comes.
