Atwater/Winton Taxi Scrip Program
The information below will provide you with everything you need to know to participate in the Atwater/Winton Taxi Scrip Program.
What is the Atwater/Winton Taxi Scrip Program?
The Atwater/Winton Taxi Scrip Program provides alternative, reliable, and affordable transportation to Atwater and Winton residents who are 65 years of age or older and people who are eligible for service under TheBus’ ADA Paratransit program. Program participants receive an 80% discount on taxi fares by purchasing taxi scrip.
Participants simply obtain and submit an eligibility application and, once approved, can purchase up to 3 booklets of scrip; each booklet contains 40 taxi scrip coupons (a $40 value) from select locations for only $8.00 per booklet. Only three booklets of taxi scrip can be purchased each calendar month. Scrip can then be used like cash to pay for taxi fares from Yellow Cab of Atwater.
Who is Eligible
Any resident of the City of Atwater or Community of Winton who currently holds a Merced County Transit TheBus Certificate of Eligibility for ADA Paratransit Card or is over 65 years of age is eligible to use the Atwater/Winton Taxi Scrip Program.
How to Apply
Complete and submit an application. You will need to provide one of the following as proof of eligibility:
- California driver's license
- California DMV-issued identification card
- Medicare card
If you have a current Merced County Transit TheBus Certificate of Eligibility ADA Paratransit Card, you do not need to re-apply.
Download an application by clicking here or call (209) 723-3100 to have an application sent to you via U.S. Mail.
You may apply for the program in person at.
-
Merced County Transit Office:
369 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340
Business hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday (closed for lunch from 12-1pm)
How to Purchase Taxi Scrip
Once approved for the program, you can purchase up to 3 booklets; each contain 40 one-dollar taxi scrip coupons for only $8.00 per booklet. This is an 80% discount off the face value. Only three booklets of taxi scrip can be purchased each calendar month. Scrip can be used like cash to pay for taxi cab fares.
You may purchase taxi scrip at the Merced County Transit Office, City of Atwater, and the Atwater Community Center (see below for locations and business hours). You must have your Taxi Scrip Purchase Card with you when you purchase your scrip.
Scrip cannot be given or sold to someone else. It is non-transferable, non-negotiable, non-refundable, and non-replaceable.
It is your responsibility to inform the Taxi Scrip Program office of any changes to your address, telephone number, eligibility status, etc.
- Merced County Transit Office:
369 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340
Business hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday - City of Atwater:
750 Bellevue Road, Atwater, CA 95301
Business hours: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday –Thursday - Atwater Community Center:
760 East Bellevue Road, Atwater, CA 95301
Business hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday – Thursday
Participating Taxi Companies
Yellow Cab of Atwater, which provides taxi service in both Atwater and Winton, is the only taxi company participating in the program. Call them at (209) 777-4122 to schedule your ride. They operate between the hours of 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, seven days a week.
How to Use Taxi Scrip
Call Yellow Cab of Atwater at (209) 777-4122 to schedule your taxi trip. They operate between the hours of 6 AM to 8 PM, 7 days a week. You are responsible for scheduling, changing, and canceling your own trip directly with Yellow Cab of Atwater.
Let the taxi dispatcher know you will be paying with taxi scrip when you call to schedule a pick-up. When your taxi arrives, you must show your Taxi Scrip User I.D. card to the driver.
Every taxi vehicle has a meter that will display the fare for your trip. You are responsible for paying the entire fare amount displayed on the meter, so be sure you always carry enough scrip and/or money with you for your trip both to and from your destination.
At the end of the trip, use taxi scrip (and cash if you want) to pay your fare. Treat your scrip as cash while riding in the taxi. If you are uncomfortable allowing the driver to remove scrip from your book, keep the scrip in your possession and hand the driver the appropriate amount. You will also have to sign an envelope for your driver.
Scrip cannot be used to tip your driver. If you want to tip the driver, you must use cash.
If you are traveling outside of Merced County, your taxi scrip may only cover part of the total cost of your trip. Please discuss taxi fares with the taxi company before scheduling an out-of-county trip, as they may not be able to pick you up outside of their service area.
If you experience any problems with the program, or if you have observed any instance of abuse, unsafe taxi conditions, or fraud, report the incident to Merced County Transit at (209) 723-3100 immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does taxi scrip expire?
No, taxi scrip does not expire.
Does the taxi driver have to make change when I pay with scrip?
Yes. Because taxi scrip is used just like cash for paying your taxi fare, you are entitled to any change due to you.
How much does it cost to ride the taxi?
Taxi fares are based on distance and time. The cost for a certain trip can vary based on the route taken by the driver. Drivers are supposed to take the shortest route between two points, but detours or road construction can affect the route. Here are some examples of typical taxi ride fares from both Atwater and Winton to frequent destinations:
From center of Atwater to:
| Destination | Approximate Fare* | Your Actual Cost** |
|---|---|---|
| Castle Clinic | $9.60 | $1.92 |
| Target or Wal-Mart in Atwater |
$6.60 | $1.32 |
From center of Winton to:
| Destination | Approximate Fare* | Your Actual Cost** |
|---|---|---|
| Castle Clinic | $12.00 | $2.40 |
| Target or Wal-Mart in Atwater |
$11.60 | $2.32 |
* This is the total amount you pay the driver in scrip and/or cash.
** Actual cost is lower because you only pay 20 cents for each one-dollar scrip coupon.
Can someone ride with me in the taxi?
Yes. You have the right to travel with one or more companions and pay only one fare, no matter how many people took the ride. However, the taxi company may only transport as many people as there are seat belts in the vehicle.
I currently have a Merced County Transit TheBus Certificate of Eligibility for ADA Paratransit card. Can I use the Taxi Scrip Program?
Yes! Anyone eligible to use the ADA Dial-A-Ride bus who lives in the City of Atwater or the Community of Winton is also eligible to purchase Atwater/Winton Taxi Scrip to pay for all or a portion of your taxi fare. Or you may continue to use the ADA Dial-A-Ride bus to take you where you need to go just like you do now.
I am over 65. Are there any other travel options for me besides the Taxi Scrip Program?
Seniors (anyone over 60), persons with disabilities (with an ADA eligibility card) and Medicare card holders ride for only half the regular cash fare all day, every day, on all Merced County Transit, TheBus' fixed routes numbered 1-22.
Seniors must present identification that shows your age, such as a driver's license, a state issued photo ID card showing your date of birth, or a Medicare card. Medicare card holders may also be required to present proof of identification upon request.
I use a wheelchair or other mobility device. Can I use the taxi program?
Yes, you can! However, you must be able to transfer from your wheelchair or other mobility device to a regular taxi vehicle without any assistance from the driver. Your mobility device must be able to be folded up and stored in the trunk or rear of the taxi.
I used to ride the Atwater/Winton Dial-A-Ride, but I am not over 65 or ADA-certified. Am I eligible?
No. The general public is not eligible to use the Taxi Scrip Program. However, you may still use TheBus fixed-route service. Routes 7, 8, and 16 all serve Winton and Atwater.