Seniors Get a New Ride

REDLANDS>> The Redlands Quality of Life Department’s Senior Services Division recently acquired a new shuttle bus that hit the road this week to transport senior residents to medical appointments, grocery stores and the city’s senior centers. On May 3, 2016, the City of Redlands entered into a funding agreement with Omnitrans to enhance and extend transportation services for senior citizens who live within the Redlands city limits. Until recently, the city offered transportation from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday to adults age 55 and older and individuals with disabilities for $1.75 per trip. The service is available only within city limits and is provided on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to transportation to and from medical appointments. Funding from Omnitrans allowed the city to fund an additional driver, purchase a second wheelchair-lift-equipped vehicle and cover the added operational expenses in order to expand the program by another three hours per day. The city projects that the number of passengers served per day will increase from 8 to 30 within the first year. The Omnitrans agency approved the funding agreement with the City of Redlands to support development of projects that meet the community’s needs.