City seeks feedback on transport service

City officials are asking for residents’ feedback on the Claremont Dial-A-Ride service.

In January 2013, the Claremont City Council approved an increase to the Claremont Dial-A-Ride (DAR) fares in an effort to ensure the program’s long-term financial viability. Since the increase, the service program has seen its ridership decline by almost 40 percent, according to a recent report. Although this change represents a significant reduction in ridership, officials maintain the lower ridership is consistent with the program's historic performance prior to 2009 when the economic crisis began to dramatically change ridership trends.

While the program experienced declines in all segments of its ridership, the declines were greater among general public riders versus senior and disabled customers. The largest reductions in ridership were in out-of-town travel and after regular service hours by seniors and disabled persons. City staff claims they have received relatively few complaints regarding Dial-A-Ride.

Staff will bring a DAR service update before the Claremont City Council in March 2014. In the meantime, residents are invited to share their comments and concerns about the program. Correspondence may be addressed to csneed@ci.claremont.ca.us or sent to the attention of Cari Sneed, management analyst to Community and Human Services Department, 1616 Monte Vista Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711.