WALNUT CREEK — Paratransit regulators in Contra Costa County are developing a one-stop, seamless transportation system for seniors and people with disabilities — thanks to a sizable federal grant. The $1 million U.S.
Department SMART grant recently awarded to the Contra Costa Transportation Authority will over the next year allow the agency to develop the “One Call, One Click” system. The aim is to bring together 24 accessible transportation services in the county into one database so users only have to make one phone call to schedule a ride. “With this grant we are getting people where they need to go and getting them to medical appointments and giving them services they didn’t have before and truly providing access and mobility to all,” said Tim Haile, the executive director of the transportation authority, at a news conference Friday.
Through the grant, seniors and people with disabilities will also get 10 free rides a month in the county. Officials said many paratransit users have been missing critical medical appointments because they have to pay $5 a day for ride services. Also, people who use paratransit currently have to contact their bus operator for paratransit rides, which requires advance notice and is restricted to certain hours.
They have to use a separate service to navigate public transit options and another to use taxis, Lyft or Uber. Officials said transportation is often cited as a major barrier for residents. Medical appointments are hard to .
