COMMUNITY ADVISORY
July 12, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Victoria Williams, Paratransit Coordinator
(510) 747-7513
City of Alameda Increases Subsidies for Discounted Taxi Rides to Seniors and People with Disabilities
The City provides two discounted taxi programs for seniors and people with disabilities: Premium and Medical Return Trip Improvement Program (MRTIP). Both these programs offer subsidized taxi rides in either a traditional sedan, minivan, or in a lift-equipped vehicle, if needed.
Premium Program: Vouchers for this program cost $1.50 each and are valued at $5.00 by the contracted taxi company – First American Transit, also known as Welcome Taxi. The subsidy now represents a 70 percent discount to enrolled riders, increased from 50 percent. Enrolled riders use the service for different types of trips, with shopping and doctor appointments the most frequent destinations. For example, a one-way trip that costs $10 would cost the enrolled rider $3. Individuals are limited to a maximum of 30 Premium taxi vouchers per quarter (every three months). The Premium program is available to individuals who live in Alameda and are 70 years old or over or are enrolled with East Bay Paratransit.
MRTIP: The Medical Return Trip Improvement Program (MRTIP) is available to Alameda residents who are enrolled with East Bay Paratransit. The MRTIP Program vouchers cost $2.50 each, and provide a taxi ride home after a medical appointment anywhere in Alameda County. Individuals are limited to a maximum of 10 MRTIP Taxi Vouchers per month.
Vouchers are sold on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:00 a.m. and 12 noon at Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda. Both types of vouchers are valid for one year from the date of purchase, and only can be used within Alameda County. These programs are funded by Measures B and BB transportation sales tax dollars, which are administered by the Alameda County Transportation Commission. For more information on the taxi ride discounts, please visit www.AlamedaParatransit.com.
Photo Credit: Edgar Zamora
From left to right: Rajiv Sharma, owner of First American Transit/Welcome Taxi; LaTanya Wilson, taxi driver for First American Transit/Welcome Taxi; Millie Lum, taxi program participant and Mastick Senior Center volunteer; and, Victoria Williams, paratransit coordinator for the City of Alameda.
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