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City warns Dial‑A‑Ride costs rising; council to consider containment measures
Summary
City staff told commissioners Dial‑A‑Ride ridership and costs have surged; the program is on track to exceed the 2026 budget by about $719,000 and may surpass $1 million this fiscal year, and staff will present cost containment options including fare changes and caps for public input.
The Community and Human Services Commission received an update Wednesday on Claremont's Dial‑A‑Ride service, which staff say has grown sharply and is straining the program budget.
Community Services Director Jeremy Swan told commissioners that the program's rapid growth is on track to push the service over its 2026 budget by approximately $719,000 and that the program may exceed $1,000,000 in expenditures this fiscal year. Swan attributed growth to increased college ridership and the recent introduction of an app‑based booking system that has made the service easier to use.
"It's word‑of‑mouth and ease of use because they implemented several months ago an app‑based system," Swan said, noting college riders have been a major contributor to rising use. Swan said the city will present cost containment strategies to council and that proposed measures could include fare increases, rider caps, and other program changes developed through community input.
Why it matters: rising operating costs could require policy changes, affect service levels for seniors and residents with disabilities and prompt public discussion about fares and program scope.
Commissioners discussed options such as targeted subsidies, partnerships with local businesses and a review of where program funds are being spent. Swan said certain changes will require public hearings and coordination with regional transit and federal funding rules.
What's next: city council will consider cost containment measures at a February meeting; staff said they will seek community input and return to the commission with proposed options.
