HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.2 Senior Center Ride Match Update •
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``"' 82 AGENDA STATEMENT
(elb}� 1 SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
4z/10\` � MEETING DATE: JULY 1, 2010
SUBJECT: Senior Center Ride Match Update
Report Prepared by Anna Hudson, Recreation Coordinator
ATTACHMENTS: None
RECOMMENDATION: Receive report.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT: None
DESCRIPTION: The Senior Center Ride Match Program was developed as one of the
City Council high priority objectives for Fiscal Year 2008-2009. The Senior Center Advisory Committee
recommended the program to the City Council as an alternate transportation method for seniors from their
homes or public transit hubs, to the Senior Center and back.
Staff developed the Ride Match Program in collaboration with 511.org, the City Attorney, and the
Association of Bay Area Governments, which provides Risk Management services for the City. This
program was modeled after the 511.org Ride Share program for commuters and hoped to facilitate
carpooling among Senior Center patrons who either want to be drivers and/or riders.
OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM PLAN
In order to facilitate carpooling to the Senior Center, the City accepts and maintains a list of interested
drivers and riders. The program provides a Rider and Driver Registration form, suggests "terms of use"
for the Ride Match Program, and requires that participants sign a release and waiver of liability.
Ultimately, the rider and driver are responsible for working out their own arrangements for the carpool.
In order to promote the program Staff developed a flyer that was distributed at the Senior Center, as well
as the managers of The Groves and Wicklow Square senior apartment complexes. The information was
also shared with Senior Support and the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA), which
provides the Wheels bus service in the area. The program has been publicized in each issue of"The
Dublin Doings". Staff has announced the program in classes at the Senior Center and has trained the front
counter staff and volunteers on the program. In addition to promoting the benefits of the program for
those with transportation challenges, Staff also promoted the program as a "green initiative" to reduce
vehicular trips to the Senior Center to help the environment.
COPIES TO:
ITEM NO.: 7.2
C:\Documents and Settings\paulm\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK8A\7110 Item 7 2 Rideshare Program Up'date.doc
Despite this effort, since implementing the program in August 2009, the City has only received a
completed application from one interested rider, and one driver. Due to failing health,
the sole rider no
longer participates at the Dublin Senior Center. Prior to completing the Ride Match application, the
rider's main source of transportation was getting a ride from his son. The Center has had other verbal
inquiries but these patrons have never completed and turned in an application.
Although it is certain there is a need for transportation for seniors, the type of transportation the current
Ride Match Program offers does not appear to meet the immediate needs of the community. Staff
recommends discontinuing the Ride Match Program. The program has not provided the expected avenue
where seniors - riders and drivers, can meet and work out carpool arrangements. The senior rider
generally has an ongoing need for transportation and assistance in daily living. They need a ride to the
grocery store, or to a doctor appointment that is often outside the city limits.
Staff has noticed that many patrons have established friendships and carpools, and did not need the City
to facilitate the carpool arrangement. This has occurred particularly for riders who are registered with
Wheels Dial-a-ride. The (Wheels) rider will abandon riding Wheels (to save money, to hang out with a
friend, and or to dispense with waiting to be picked up by the bus), and revert to carpooling to the Senior
Center and back home with a friend.
Staff will continue to promote the benefits of carpooling and encourage patrons to do so particularly on
spare the air days. Additionally Staff will continue to explore opportunities that arise to expand access to
the Senior Center by residents with transportation challenges.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Committee receive report.
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