The Palm Springs, Calif.-based Morongo Band of Mission Indians launched Morongo Dial-A-Ride transit service.

The service will provide seniors, the disabled, students and others lacking transportation options on the Morongo Indian Reservation with a new means of reaching medical appointments, work, classrooms, grocery stores and other destinations.

In an effort to improve mobility, the orange and white Morongo Dial-A-Ride bus will provide weekday transit services to all qualified reservation residents for a one-way fare of $1 per ride. Monthly passes providing unlimited boarding at the Morongo Tribal Administration building are also available for $30.

“We are pleased to be offering the new Morongo Dial-A-Ride transit service to help seniors, students, the disabled and those who are without a vehicle to get to school, work or important appointments,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. “This program is the latest example of Morongo’s ongoing efforts to strengthen our transit services and to promote public transit to address the growing transportation needs in the San Gorgonio Pass.”

Launched this month, the service was developed with the support of the San Gorgonio Pass Area Transportation NOW Coalition, an organization of community leaders, local elected officials and staff who work to expand and improve public transit programs in The Pass region.

All qualified riders must fill out Morongo Dial-A-Ride application, available from the tribal administration building or transportation office.

Qualified applicants must show proof of residence on the Morongo reservation as well as one of the following documents: an ADA certification letter, TANF registration, California identification card or driver’s license, a utility bill, Morongo tribal student identification or school registration, Morongo tribal employee identification or proof of disability.