Disabled senior citizens hitching rides with the Santa Monica Dial-A-Ride program could soon see a new face in their driver.
The council will be asked to award an estimated $1.8 million three-year contract to MV Transportation to provide the curbside paratransit service, ending its current relationship with Transportation Concepts. The two companies submitted proposals to offer the Dial-A-Ride service but MV Transportation was chosen because of cost, and wages and benefits afforded to its employees. Transportation Concepts, which has worked with City Hall since 2000 and has provided good service, was proposing an approximately $2 million contract, according to staff.
The program is available to any resident who is at least 60 years of age or who is disabled and at least 18 years old. The fare is 50 cents each way and personal attendants have a reduced fare of 25 cents.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 25, 2008. Read the original PDF.