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Cerritos votes to end ‘Cerritos on Wheels’ fixed route, authorize Dial‑A‑Ride contract
Summary
The council adopted a resolution to discontinue the city’s fixed‑route Cerritos on Wheels service and directed staff to award a Dial‑A‑Ride contract to MV Transportation; members discussed timing to reduce a near‑term $200,000 cost and protections for students and seniors.
The Cerritos City Council voted April 13 to discontinue the city’s fixed‑route transit service known as Cerritos on Wheels and to transition city transit toward a contract demand‑response service.
Sabrina Chan, director of community development, presented staff’s recommendation and a timeline informed by a transit assessment and an RFP. Chan said the recommendation responds to low post‑COVID ridership and limited Proposition A and C funding; she said the proposed resolution would set a June 30, 2026 end date for the fixed‑route service while initiating a Dial‑A‑Ride contract with MV Transportation.
“That resolution formally eliminate[s] the Cerritos on Wheels fixed‑route service with the last date of service proposed for 06/30/2026,” Chan said during her presentation.
Councilmembers pressed staff on operating costs and student usage. Transit staff estimated the city’s current month‑to‑month cost to operate Cerritos on Wheels at about $200,000. Mayor Pro Tem Mark Polito pointed out that ending the fixed route on May 31 instead of June 30 could save roughly $200,000; the city manager confirmed staff could evaluate an earlier termination and coordinate with school districts.
Polito moved to adopt a resolution eliminating the fixed‑route service with a last day of service of 05/31/2026; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Frank Yokoyama and passed 5–0. Council also approved staff’s recommendation to proceed with awarding a Dial‑A‑Ride contract intended to maintain service for seniors and residents with disabilities, with the new contract proposed to begin 07/01/2026 and include customer‑service and reservation enhancements.
Staff said extensive outreach and coordination with ABC Unified School District and Cerritos College would accompany the change so students and riders have notice and alternatives.
The council’s direction preserves Proposition A/C funds for prioritized transit needs while eliminating a low‑ridership fixed route that staff said would require substantial capital investments to comply with state electrification mandates.
