Dial-A-Ride debuts new wheels

EASY RIDER- Senior citizen Ellen Wohl is helped by driver Carolyn Rockwell into one of Agoura Hills' five new Chevy Uplander Dial-A-Ride vans. The Dial-A-Ride program transports passengers from their homes to any destination within the community. With her walker in hand, Ellen Wohl arrived eager to take a test ride in one of the new Agoura Hills DialARide Chevy Uplander vans.

"I'm really happy to try it out," said Wohl, an active 73year-old and a member of the city's senior advisory board.

Although she still drives, Wohl came to the May 12 rollout to find out more about the city's public transportation program.

"The Dial-A-Ride program is definitely something I will be interested in the future," she said.

With the help of five new vans, Dial-A-Ride is able to transport passengers from their front door to any destination within the city limits of Agoura Hills, Oak Park, Lost Hills, Malibu Lake and to the Agoura HillsCalabasas Community Center located in Calabasas. Disabled persons or those 56 and older also can travel to appointments, shopping malls and senior centers in Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks.

Passengers with appointments are advised to schedule their round trip needs a day in advance, but the vans will pick up on moment's notice if available.

The cost of the new Uplanders was $170,590, but the city's share was only $47,650.

According to Louis Celaya, assistant to the city manager, supplemental Prop A reserve funds allowed the city to replace its aging Dial-A-Ride fleet without having to tap into funds that might be needed for other transportation services.

The seven-passenger vans feature modern access ramps that require no step up, easy wheelchair capability, and front and rear air conditioning.

The flexible fuel vehicles are designed to run on a gasolineethanol blend.

New safety features on the vans include electronic backup lights with distance indicators.

Jean Gaul, who has lived in Agoura Hills for 17 years, brought her mother, Florence Hom, to the new van ribboncutting.

"My mom lives with me now and doesn't drive, so I wanted to take a look at the program," Gaul said.

A one-way trip within city limits costs $1 and to some locations outside city boundaries is $1.50.

The city says it hopes to introduce expanded service to such locations as Woodland Hills' Kaiser Permanente and Target store this summer and fall.

"The door-to-door service is invaluable to our seniors," said Agoura Hills City Manager Greg Ramirez.

"We hope other residents will also take advantage of this deluxe public transportation service that could only be possible in a smaller community," Ramirez said.

From 2006 to 2007 DialARide transported nearly 40,000 passengers. With municipal budgets tightening statewide, many cities have had to eliminate their lowcost public transportations programs, but not Agoura Hills.

On June 1 the entire fleet will take to the street.

Resident Hilda Cutler might be one of the first riders. At the dedication ceremony she said she is undergoing knee replacement surgery and won't be able to drive during her recovery.

"I think it's important for seniors to stay up to date on local services like this one," Cutler said.

Dial-A-Ride driver Carolyn Rockwell of First Transit Inc., the private contractor that operates Dial-A-Ride, will look forward to Cutler's call.

"These vans are a nice ride and make it very easy for passengers to access. I look forward to June 1," Rockwell said.

The city's DialARide program is open to all residents of Agoura Hills and welcomes residents who do not drive, who desire an alternative from paying high gas prices, or who wish to "go green" through community carpooling.

To schedule a ride, call DialA-Ride at (818) 707-2005.