San Dimas to cut Dial‑a‑Ride hours to 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; council approves 5‑0

The council voted unanimously to adopt a staff recommendation from Pomona Valley Transportation Authority (PVTA) to align the city’s Dial‑a‑Ride curb‑to‑curb service with a 7 a.m.–8 p.m. schedule, effective Sept. 1, 2026, citing rising transportation costs and operator changes.

PVTA staff said transportation costs have increased about 25% over the last four years and that maintaining a 24‑hour service would require roughly $140,000 in additional annual costs for after‑hours staffing if Claremont — previously a cost-share partner — reduces its hours. PVTA’s five‑month operational analysis found late‑night and early‑morning trips represent about 13% of total Dial‑a‑Ride demand; staff recommended that San Dimas match Claremont’s reduced schedule to maintain service efficiency. Nicole, the PVTA representative, told the council that contracting changes in the region — taxis exiting the market and greater reliance on TNCs like Uber — have increased per‑trip costs and wheelchair‑accessible trips remain the expensive portion of the service.

Councilmembers pressed staff for more detailed month‑by‑month ridership tables and asked for options to preserve service for seniors and disabled residents, including targeted outreach and possible subsidized late‑night rides if needed. The council approved the schedule change 5‑0 and asked staff and PVTA to monitor ridership and report back during midyear budget review.

Why it matters: The change reduces overnight mobility options for a small cohort of riders (including seniors or workers with late shifts) while addressing a rising cost burden on the city's transit program.