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Mission Viejo trims senior mobility program: 10‑ride monthly cap, airport ride cut among changes
Summary
Faced with booming demand and exhausted rollover funds, the council approved staff recommendations to cap senior mobility rides at 10 per month, discontinue some satellite destinations, remove discounted John Wayne Airport rides (saving about $90,000), and add a San Clemente DMV option.
Mission Viejo council approved changes to its senior mobility program (Bridal‑A‑Taxi) on Feb. 24 after staff presented data showing rapid post‑pandemic growth in ridership and program enrollment.
City staff said the program grew from 972 seniors and 3,598 rides in 2019 to more than 3,000 clients and 14,064 rides in 2025. Melanie McGrane, the community services supervisor, said the city has largely used rollover grant funds to cover increased use but those funds are nearly exhausted.
To keep the program sustainable while preserving service for the frailest residents, staff recommended and council approved a set of changes: a maximum of 10 rides per month per senior, continuation of free rides to city facilities while funds allow, retention of the $5 per ride fee, removal of rarely used satellite destinations (including a number of regional service points), discontinuation of the discounted John Wayne Airport rides (estimated $90,000 in savings), and adding the San Clemente DMV as a $10 satellite destination.
Why it matters: Staff said the cap reflects analysis showing only 72 participants were using more than 10 rides per month; the cap aims to preserve service for the broader senior population. Council members asked for additional outreach to frequent users and alternatives such as OC Access or nonprofit transportation programs.
Vote and implementation: Council voted unanimously to adopt the recommendations. Staff will return to the bidding process for a new contract (current contract expires June 2026) with the revised program parameters and educate existing frequent users about alternative transportation options.
