Calif. paratransit expands service

The City of Pleasanton’s (Calif.) Paratransit Service (PPS) introduced some new program changes designed to facilitate convenience for Pleasanton users.

The program recently added stops for the popular Downtown Shuttle Route (DTR) that includes the Dollar Tree store, Wal-Mart Neighborhood Grocery and the new Gateway Shopping Center.

Also new to the DTR program is a new transfer fee program through a cooperative agreement with the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority. It allows seniors and ADA riders to transfer, free of charge, using a two-hour transfer slip to the Wheels fixed-route buses to travel throughout the Tri-Valley. Wheels ADA and senior riders will also be able to transfer, at no cost, onto the DTR shuttle to access stops that may not be met with fixed route services.

The DTR received a grant in the amount of $85,544 through Measure B funds from the Alameda County Transportation Commission that will allow continued service of the route through June 30, 2015. The grant includes funding to provide volunteer travel ambassador training in which trained volunteers assist residents in the use of all modes of public transit. Group trips are also scheduled on a monthly basis as riders venture out throughout the Tri-Valley and learn about a variety of transit options.

The DTR shuttle is a same day, fixed-route bus service that operates on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registered riders are welcome to use the shuttle for the low fare of $1.50 for all day use. As part of its route, three major senior housing complexes and more than 27 different medical offices and retail locations are included.

The shuttle serves as a bridge between the door-to-door paratransit service and Wheels fixed-route buses, and was designed to expand the travel opportunities for senior residents.

The PPS service logged more than 2,700 rides in the past year.