Resident urges review of Dial‑A‑Ride reservation policy, cites safety and equity concerns

A South Pasadena resident told the Public Safety Commission that a recent change in Dial‑A‑Ride reservation procedures is creating safety and equity problems for seniors and people with disabilities.

Michel Vondelaroz delivered the public comment, saying the service recently shifted from a 24‑hour reservation policy to one that, in practice, requires booking a week in advance and prioritizes medical appointments. "Why should we need to justify our need for transportation?" Vondelaroz said. "This change in policy needs to be reexamined."

Vondelaroz told commissioners the policy change caused at least one near miss: a prescription that became available for pickup the morning after the new rule took effect. He said he was fortunate to have a supply of medication that avoided an urgent need, but he argued that prioritizing some appointment types over others risks public safety for riders who need short‑notice trips. He also described past experiences in which reservation staff canceled trips at their discretion with little notice.

Commissioners did not take formal action on the comment but discussed broader evacuation and assistance registries for seniors and people with disabilities elsewhere on the agenda. Staff did not provide a detailed explanation or written policy change during the meeting; commissioners asked staff to follow up so the commission can consider whether to add Dial‑A‑Ride procedures to future work‑plan items.

Ending: Commissioners and staff noted the comment and indicated they would seek clarification from transit/reservations staff and consider placing the issue on a future agenda for review and possible recommendation.