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Commission adopts revised senior dial‑a‑taxi plan with 10‑ride cap and airport removal
Summary
The commission voted to adopt Option 2 for the Senior Mobility Program, adding the city library as a free destination, imposing a 10-ride monthly cap, and removing airport rides to keep the program within budget while preserving access to the Murray Center.
The Community Services Commission voted to adopt a revised Senior Mobility Program (SMP) plan on Jan. 20 that includes a 10-ride-per-month limit for participants, removal of subsidized airport trips, and a temporary policy of free rides to city facilities (including the library and Norman P. Murray Center) subject to budget monitoring. Commissioner S2 moved to adopt Option 2 with the library added as a destination; the motion passed 7–0.
Community Services Supervisor Melanie McGrane presented the proposal and financial context, saying SMP funding comes from Orange County’s Measure M2 with a required 20% local match. McGrane described rapid post-pandemic growth—“At 2025, we had over 14,000 rides take place on the program, which is pretty astounding”—and warned the program’s reserve is being drawn down. She told commissioners that airport trips are currently charged to participants at $20 but cost the city about $55 per ride from the contractor, creating a disproportionate expense that could push the program into the red.
Staff presented two options. Option 1 would trim service area and remove airport trips; Option 2—adopted by the commission—keeps most satellite destinations, implements a 10-ride cap and marketing investments, and removes the airport ride subsidy, which together are projected to bring the program within budget. Commissioners emphasized protecting access to the Murray Center: staff said the Murray Center remained the top priority of seniors surveyed and the proposed policy preserves free rides there.
Commissioners also asked for stronger participant education about alternative transportation resources (AgeWell and OC Access) and requested that the commission revisit fee structures or scope if the program begins to exceed budget during the contract term. Staff said the Yellow Cab contract expires in June and the city intends to solicit proposals for the next contract cycle based on the commission’s policy direction.
What’s next: Staff will proceed with contracting and implement outreach/education to participants; the free rides to city facilities were approved as temporary and may be rescinded if budget projections worsen.
