City announces transportation options for seniors

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Menifee residents were given information about the City of Menifee’s expanded public transportation programs during a workshop on Wednesday at the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center.

The multi-faceted program is the result of years of planning, said Gloria Sanchez, chair of the Menifee Senior Advisory Committee. The programs are designed to benefit seniors 65 and over and those with disabilities who qualify.

“Out of all these programs, one will meet your needs,” Sanchez said. “We’ve been talking about this transportation program for 10 years. Now that it’s here, let’s use it.”

The City of Menifee will make additional presentations to private groups if requested. Meanwhile, here’s a look at the three programs available to seniors and those with disabilities:

RTA

The public bus system services Menifee and outlying areas, including fixed routes 74 and 61 with regular bus stops throughout the city. The regular fare is 75 cents per ride, but that has been discounted to 25 cents per ride through June.

Riders can also make arrangements for door-to-door service through the Dial-A-Ride program. Cost is $3.50 one way. In most cases, riders must live within three-quarters of a mile from a bus stop, but there is a Dial-A-Ride Plus Lifeline program for those who live outside such boundaries.

Service is provided from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information, visit www.riversidetransit.com or call 800-795-7887.

TRIP

The Transportation Reimbursement and Information Project (TRIP) is available to riders who wish to recruit their own drivers and have them reimbursed through the program.

Riders apply through a form listing one or more individuals who have agreed to drive them to appointments. Riders are given an estimated number of miles per month for travel. Once the trips are documented, the rider is reimbursed the cost of mileage and is under obligation to pass that reimbursement on to the driver.

The driver can’t be a family member, but it can be a neighbor or a friend. This program is administered through the Riverside County Office on Aging.

For information, visit www.rcaging.org or call 877-932-4100.

CARE-A-VAN

The newest program available to Menifee residents is the Care-A-Van program, which became available locally in October. It also provides door-to-door service. There is no required fee, but a donation of $3 is suggested. A book of 10 tickets can be purchased for a suggested price of $25.

Application forms for Care-A-Van can be picked up at the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center, 29995 Evans Road in Menifee. More information is available at careavantransit.com.

The Care-A-Van program is a pilot program in Menifee, and Sanchez urges seniors to make use of it so it becomes permanent in the city. Since its beginning Oct. 24, Care-A-Van has provided 166 trips to riders in Menifee, with more than 50 regular riders.