Temple City council extends dial‑a‑ride contract as ridership surges

Temple City’s City Council on Aug. 6 approved an extension of the city’s dial‑a‑ride agreement with Southland Transit after hearing that demand for the service has climbed sharply since the pandemic.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic our dial‑a‑ride service has essentially grown 30% each year,” City Manager Brian Cook told the council, saying the program provided about 10,000 rides through mid‑July for seniors and residents with special needs.

Cook said the program is funded through Metro Measure M/Prop C dollars rather than the city’s general fund and that the new contract will add vehicles. “The provider Southland Transit will be providing some new vehicles as part of the contract,” he said. Staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission will review service levels and any needed expansion over the coming year.

The extension was approved as part of the council’s consent calendar; a motion to approve the consent items passed on a roll‑call vote with all members recorded as yes. Council members did not hold a separate public debate on the extension during the meeting.

The contract supports rides for medical appointments and mobility services for seniors and residents with disabilities, Cook said. Council members noted the growing demand and said they expected staff to return with program updates if capacity or funding needs change.

The council’s action keeps the service in place while staff monitor performance and report back as needed; no additional funding from the city’s general fund was reported during the meeting.