Senior Living: Explaining transportation options
Q: Now that I no longer drive, what are the resources for transportation? I am able to walk without assistance but I have a friend in La Crescenta who uses a wheelchair. Are there resources for her?
The three major transportation resources in addition to taxis are the Beeline, Dial-A-Ride and ACCESS Services. This week I will explain the Beeline and Dial-A-Ride and will explain ACCESS Services next week.
The Beeline is a bus that travels along Foothill Blvd and into Glendale. There are five routes. If you board in La Cañada, the ride is free. If you board elsewhere, it is fifteen cents for seniors. If you live within walking distance of the route, this is a good option that also accommodates wheelchairs.
Dial-A-Ride is a curb-to-curb transportation service made available by the cities of Glendale and La Cañada to residents who are at least 60 years of age or disabled. The vans accommodate multiple passengers and wheelchair patrons.
Dial-A-Ride travels anywhere within the city and county areas of Montrose and La Crescenta, and within the cities of Glendale and La Cañada Flintridge. Trips can be for both medical and non-medical purposes.
Dial-A-Ride is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
The fee is one dollar for each one-way trip for Glendale residents, with exact change required. The fees for La Cañada residents are paid by the city of La Cañada. Attendants may board vehicles at no charge.
If you are a resident of La Cañada, call (818) 790-8880 to obtain a registration form. Glendale residents call (818) 548-3961.
You may schedule appointments up to two weeks in advance, but not less than 24 hours in advance. Keep in mind that Dial-A-Ride is often a shared ride, so allow extra time for waiting. It is best to be flexible in your requests for rides. After you have ridden a few times you will get to know the drivers, as there are only a few of them. I have been told by many seniors that they are all very nice and helpful.
If you have a regular appointment, such as coming to the YMCA twice weekly for a 10 a.m. class, you can set that up as a recurring appointment and do not need to call for each one.